Simone didn’t always know she wanted to be a teacher, but after a gap year filled with new experiences and a surprise love for working with children, everything started to fall into place. Now studying Primary Education at the University of Cumbria, she’s made Lancaster her home, found friends for life, and thrown herself into university life in her own calm, cosy way. Here’s a little look into Simone’s journey so far.
Why did you choose to study your course – what or who inspired you?
I have always been told I am good with children, even when I was little. I was not sure about going into teaching at first, but after I started working as a nursery assistant, I realised that I was getting a lot of enjoyment from expanding the children’s world and minds.
As for who my inspiration is, I get a lot of my teaching philosophy from my Year 5 teacher. She was kind and welcoming, and she always shared her interests with our class, which made learning fun.
Why did you choose the University of Cumbria?
I was between the University of Cumbria and Winchester. Winchester was where my best friend was going to go, as well as my boyfriend at the time, so I held a slight bias, but the university felt too big and impersonal. When I visited the University of Cumbria's Lancaster campus, it just felt more 'me'.
I noticed straight away it was on the smaller side, so it did not feel intimidating, and I got to meet some of the lecturers who are now my tutors. It’s safe to say I fell in love with the University of Cumbria, and it felt like the place I was meant to be.
How have you found your placement? Where was your placement, and what was it like?
Over my three years with the university I have had three placements. All three have been within Lancaster, but my favourite placement so far is probably my current one. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the school itself feels like a community. They have shown me a lot of support.
What’s been the most difficult obstacle you’ve overcome in your student journey?
The biggest obstacles in my student journey have been convincing myself that I can write academically, and overcoming homesickness. There are times where it feels perhaps I should have chosen a university closer to home, but then I remind myself that a lot of great things have happened because of where I chose to study. I still get sad, but I now have a good support system that I can lean on, and it's not as hard anymore.
What do you enjoy most about your course?
It’s hard to decide on just one thing! All my tutors are supportive, kind, and show that they want the best from every single one of us. They care. Seminars are fun, engaging, and cover interesting topics.
If I had no choice but to pick, then I would have to say that the most enjoyable is the fact that you come out of most sessions and placement feeling like you’ve learned something.
How have your tutors supported you during your studies?
My tutors have been incredible. I have been having some personal issues this year and the tutors I have spoken to have shown genuine concern and kindness, offering me support on the academic side. They have been there every step of the way to answer questions, to help explain things, and to read over parts of assignments while I’ve been freaking out saying “I don’t think it’s any good” or “I feel like I’ve done it all wrong”.
How is university life beyond your studies?
Outside of my studies, my life is rather calm. I have taken up new hobbies such as crochet, scrapbooking, and colouring. I took them on to help my mental wellbeing and to help me relax.
I occasionally go out for drinks with my flatmates or friends, and I also host an anime ‘watch party’ once a week, which is just me and my mate watching a specific show then getting takeout. To some people, my life probably sounds kind of boring, but that’s just how I like it. I liked my life to be relaxed and full of things I enjoy.
What do you enjoy the most about student life at your campus/in the area?
I try to go to the events the Accommodation team holds whenever possible, since I enjoy the sense of community, but outside of that, I have to say my favourite part about my campus is the café. It’s nice to see so many people there and occasionally you’ll spot the tutors relaxing and hanging out together.
What would be your top tips for people thinking of doing the same course as you?
For anyone thinking of applying: if your home is far away from the university and you fear moving away, forget about the fear. Once you get to where you are going, you’ll meet some amazing people and it won’t feel as scary.
For anyone already doing my course – no matter how hard something feels, have faith in yourself. Reach out to your PAT for support if you need it.
It will be okay, you’ve got this!
What are your career plans, and how is your course preparing you for your future career?
So far, I can’t say I have concrete career plans, but my course is giving me all the resources to lead me in the right direction. From the opportunity to become a supply teacher with an agency to going overseas to teach, they have put things in place. Once I know what I want to do, I can just go for it.