So I really want to take part in Teach First programme after I graduate, which is in quite a while, but I'm getting really excited about this possibility.
Having finally caught up on Young Tough Teachers, instead of being put off, I've become even more convinced that this is something I want to do. Despite chairs being thrown across the classroom, lazy students, general not-bothering about learning, long hours and poor results despite hard work.
I don't really think that being a lawyer is my path. Honestly, law is great, it teaches me a lot, not only about different legal concepts, but also some general life skills, like prioritising (there's never enough time to get through the entire reading list), time-management, research, construing my argument in an orderly and logical manner. But I've always wanted to do something 'for the world' in a very direct way. Really change someone's life. Sure, you can win a case on human rights, though how about helping to make a better start in life for a group of young people?
Money is just not enough. People are surprise when I tell them I would like to teach. Yes, I could go to the commercial bar, earn ridiculous amounts of money, have no life and work 100 hours a week. Sure, could do that, but what's the point? What can be better than spending 7 hours each day surrounded with exceptional young people?
I was lucky enough to receive excellent education. I went to a music primary school, then to the best middle school in the city from where I went to the top high school in the country. They were all public schools, but they were extremely good. Then I got a scholarship and spent 2 years at an independent girls-only school in Shropshire. Probably most of the parents wish they could provide such excellent educational opportunities for their children.
But not everyone is so lucky. I know the educational system from its brighter end- pretty much all of my friends go to uni. And yet so many children can hardly make it through to the GCSEs. I remember first time I went to my Maths Primary Schools Plus session. I had to cycle through some rather poor-looking neighbourhood and I remember worrying about what sort of kids I will see at school. And they all turned out to be brilliant. So smart. But they are not given a chance to achieve their full potential because of their disadvantage background. This is really unfair.
So yes, I think this is my way of saving the world and making it a little bit better. At least teaching would be an enjoyable job. I love it. I love explaining the idea of consecutive numbers, multiplying fractions or English idioms. I love the spark that appears in the child's eye when she finally gets something she found difficult. And I'm sure there is even more joy of teaching to follow.
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