Five years ago I made a leap of faith. As a single parent starting again in the post lockdown world decided to go back to uni and train to become a teacher. At the time it felt daunting, a brand new career, the juggle of family life, and no real idea what the future would hold.
Tonight at my new school’s annual awards evening I realised just how far I’ve come. The leadership team had arranged for academic gowns to be hired and for the first time I wore my PGCE graduation colours.
It might sound like a small thing but for me it was huge. Back when I qualified I couldn’t justify the cost of hiring a gown or paying for tickets and childcare. I never went to my graduation, I never actually wore the robes. Slipping them on for the first time, five years later, felt like the universe quietly saying: you did it, you’re here, you belong. I’ve come home and felt inspired to write a blog post tonight because I just can’t quite believe the journey that I’ve been on, and which I’m still enjoying
What did it feel like to finally wear my graduation colours?
I didn’t even know what my colours were until I saw the deep blue and gold. I didn’t even want to know when I was missing out for the real ceremony a few years ago and I avoided looking on social media to see my peers celebrate. I just buried my head in work and enjoyed every minute of being in the classroom like I always do.
This morning in the rush of the school day I only had a moment to hold the fabric of the gowns before heading into lessons. Later this afternoon I quickly changed and freshened up before the event. I looked in the mirror and didn’t quite recognise myself. I felt a bit like Hermione in Harry Potter.
Meeting my colleagues in their own gowns as we gathered for a photo made the experience even more special. We shared stories about where we studied and how we got here. It gave me a new sense of connection to the people I now work alongside. Standing surrounded by teachers who are all equally inspiring just makes me proud to be part of such a lovely team.
Why did I want to show my parents?
Between the photo and the ceremony there was a couple of hours downtime. My first instinct was to drive straight to my parents’ house. Dad was gardening when I arrived. He looked up, saw me in the gown, and gave me that proud look that says more than words. Later I surprised Mum when she got back from work.
They aren’t the type to have family photographs everywhere, but they have always quietly supported me. From buying my first secondary school uniform to helping with childcare or fixing my garden gate, they have always been there. Becoming a parent myself has made me appreciate this even more. I get emotional at my son’s nativity plays because I suddenly see the sacrifices behind it. Wearing my gown felt like giving my parents a chance to celebrate too.
How did being a single parent shape my journey?
I began my PGCE the same year my son started reception. We were both starting our school journeys together. People around me often said they thought I would make a good teacher. I had worked in training roles before but nothing quite like this. The more I researched, the more I learned, the more passionate I became about education.
The sheer amount of support from the university itself was wonderful. From my tutors to the admin team to the finance officers and beyond. They are all focused on helping you to succeed. Every single person helped me put different pieces of a puzzle together. I actually got the chance to go to the university the summer before officially starting my PGCE for a short skills enhancement course. The perfect opportunity to figure out little things like getting around the building and learning a whole new routine.
The first official week was tough. My son caught Covid and I thought everything was going to fall apart. But schools are understanding places when it comes to parents, and the support was there. Things found a way of working out. They always do.
Why are awards for character so important?
The evening itself was beautiful. Inspiring speeches, proud families, and students collecting awards not just for grades but for their character.
Curiosity, resilience, kindness, perseverance.
These are some the things that matter most. Academic achievement is important but the virtues that shape a person will carry them through life. Sitting in that room I looked around and thought about how many bright futures were ahead of them, and how exciting it is to be a small part of that journey.
Is it too late to change careers and go into teaching?
The answer is no, it is never too late.
If you are curious you are already on the right path. As teachers we are learning every day. If you are passionate about your subject, if you want to share knowledge and if you are willing to adapt, then teaching is worth the leap of faith.
How do kindness and curiosity make a difference?
I have always been someone who helps. From smiling in the corridor to showing someone the way or fixing a bit of technology, kindness has a way of coming back around.
I am also not afraid to ask questions. Quite often I will raise my hand and ask for clarification in a meeting, only for colleagues to thank me afterwards for asking what they were thinking too. Curiosity opens doors. For students and for teachers.
These virtues amongst others were mentioned several times this evening and are the most poignant for me.
Can single parents balance teaching and family life?
Balance looks different for everyone. For me it means working four days a week so that I have one day to do the school run with my son. He values it as much as I do.
I use my Friday to go to the gym, catch up on housework, life admin, do a food shop, meet friends for lunch or some times just to have a bit of rest. This means I can be fully present during the weekend. I also feel like I never get the dreaded mid week hump because the weekend for me never feels too far away.
I tend to maximise my planning time in school too. For some people this might be trickier, as it’s tempting to grab a drink, catch up with colleagues and then plan to do some planning later on in the evening. I prefer to make every moment at work count. It can be exhausting but I like to have a clear separation between work and home life. I very rarely need to open my laptop at home, and I like that balance.
I also embrace the school holidays for rest, fun and making memories. This is something which many people do not get to have and whilst there are some downsides such as very expensive holiday prices I also don’t need to fork out for childcare and worry about annual leave entitlements and booking time off as I’m generally off at the same time. Give or take a couple of random inset days.
Teaching and parenting are not always easy to juggle, but they complement each other more than people might think.
What excites me about the future?
If you had told me five years ago that I would be here now I would never have believed you. That is what excites me most, the unknown. I feel like to get excited about the future you have to look back, appreciate how far you’ve come and then realise just how much potential lies ahead.
I trust my intuition but I also chase opportunities. Having that drive, motivation and confidence to succeed in whatever you put your mind to is importantly. Teaching means being part of countless futures and not just my own. One day a student I teach could be Prime Minister. One thing I have started to enjoy is bumping into former pupils or colleague and hearing about their life experiences, achievements and their next adventures. Sometimes it’s very surprising and other times it’s exactly what you thought they might end up doing.
What do I want others to take away?
Sometimes life gives you the moment you thought you had missed. For me this evening it was finally wearing my graduation colours.
If you are wondering if it is too late or too risky to start again, I want you to know it isn’t. Be kind, be curious, and be brave enough to take the leap. Life has a way of surprising you when you do.