As one chapter ends another begins

It's been a long time since I've actually posted anything on here, and selfishly that's simply because I was living my life. However as my year in London comes to an end I wanted to share with you all not only what I've learned and my experiences but also the person I have become. I'e been extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to come and work in the UK, and who knows I may even return some day, however for now the plan is to return to Ireland and to teach there, but i am most definitely NOT returning as the same person who left 10 months ago.

Why I left Ireland

As mentioned before, my whole life I wanted to be a teacher and so I worked hard (well not always) and achieved my goal. Once I had gotten my final results I began the intensive interview process in Ireland, that soul destroying routine of going for job after job that already belongs to someone else but you go anyway just so both your name and face are out there. I found this process particularly difficult, as a lot of people do, there's simply only so much rejection a person can handle. As a result I began to look into teaching in the UK, some of my friends were already going and had used the same agency I had contacted so I knew I was in good hands. It is also important to note that prior to this I was dead set against going to the UK, after all I had a life and a boyfriend in Ireland. However the beginning of the school year drew closer and my options were running out and so I made a decision for me and for my career, and I moved. 

Those of you who are familiar with being a newly qualified teacher will understand why I did this, especially considering I hold a degree in Irish. For those who aren't familiar, let me explain. When you qualify as a teacher in Ireland you are awarded NQT status, to become a fully registered teacher you must complete 300 teaching hours and teaching council workshops, you also have 3 years in which to complete this. This may seem quite achievable, and it is if you are lucky enough to secure a full time teaching position, but for those of us who weren't this can be quite a difficult task. For instance, I lie in a rural area in Ireland around which there are not many schools, therefore subbing opportunities are few, for me to increase my chances I would need to move location, which I could not afford to do without a full time job. You see where I'm going with this, the cycle continues! 

What did I achieve?

Coming to the UK, for me, meant that not only was I working in a full time position, albeit not teaching Irish, I was able to develop so many other essential skills that I would not have had the chance to while subbing. I also completed my 300 hours, well over and above that, and my workshops meaning that at the end of the school year I have completed my NQT induction and am now a fully qualified teacher. Unfortunately some of my friends who remained in Ireland have yet to do this.

It also meant that I met new people, in a new system and learned a lot about myself as an educator in the process. I learned the value of a good student teacher relationship and the importance of having classroom rules and sticking to them regardless of circumstance. I learned not to always take myself so seriously and that you can share a joke with your students and enjoy school too. Most importantly though, I learned what teaching means to me, what I am willing to tolerate and what I am most definitely not. I won't lie and say that it's all been plain sailing because it hasn't, but it has been an enjoyable experience and one that will stay with me for life.

What's the difference?

The Education system in the UK differs greatly from Ireland, the students sit fewer subjects at exam level, there's more than one exam board to choose from. The paper work is colossal and the expectations are crippling. The level of respect teachers are given is low and the level of resources teachers are expected to work with is even lower, and I know what you're thinking.....you're thinking why do it? I'll tell you why. The Kids.

The English School operates a tutor system, where each teacher is assigned a group of students whom they are responsible for throughout the year. Students from all different backgrounds who may or may not all get along, but for 25 minutes each morning are stuck together in a room with you whether they, or you, like it or not. At first I was wary of this set up, what on earth was I supposed to do with twenty two 13 year olds for half an hour each morning? Student's I didn't know a single thing about and in a situation that was becoming increasingly overwhelming by the minute - I call this first day syndrome! Weirdly enough though, this became my favorite part of the day, my time with my kids. This was the greatest learning experience of my life, a powerful tool for me as a new teacher and one that will continue to mold how I teach throughout my career.

So what now?

Now I return home to teach Irish and RE and to really use my degree to the fullest. I don't regret coming to the UK, nor do I regret coming home. I think you have to do what feels right for you and not overthink it too much. I'm looking forward to seeing what challenges await me in Ireland, but I'm also saddened to say goodbye to students who made such an impact on my first year of teaching and on me as a person. Goodbyes are never easy, but I imagine the first one is always the hardest and I will cherish the memories and experiences that I have shared with my students throughout the year, knowing that they will go on to become exceptional members of society and do both me and themselves proud. 

Here's to 26

So as you may know I turned 26 a few weeks back and it was a bit of an experience for me, had some amazing experiences at home and had some life changing moments and some really deep insights into my own life and self also. I started off 25 still dealing with my own issues to some extent and striving to put them behind me, I was in college and convinced that I'd get a job in Ireland once I graduated - how wrong was I? that being said I'm so impressed with how far I've come in a year. I graduated with honours and I'm officially a teacher, fulfilling a life long dream. I've faced the fact that there simply is no work at home and moved to London, a huge step for me, and made some amazing friends and had some amazing experiences along the way. 

The sad bit...

Unfortunately the downside of all this has been the ending of my relationship, while I've not mentioned my relationship much in the past choosing to keep that part of my life private, i feel its important to mention that it has ended and it has shown me that sometimes you have to put yourself and your dreams and ambitions first and to realise that it's not selfish to do so. At the end of the day it's YOUR life and you can't live your life for someone else either no matter how heart breaking a realisation it is. There will always be a special place in my heart for him but it wasn't the right circumstances for us right now.

The optimistic bit....

However, onwards and upwards, this year of being 26 is going to be my year. New me, new city. It's both nice and sad to be back in my apartment after an amazing week at home with my family and friends but back to reality as they say. My weekend started off at scouts - Many of you may know my love of scouts and the impact it has on children in my opinion! Just love it.  I had a great night in Mellary scaring the life out of children in our haunted house - so fantastic that so many adults give up their free time and bank holiday weekend to give other peoples children such an amazing experience. Makes me so honoured to be a part of it. 

Following this, I did what any newly single 26 year old does. I met up with all my friends for chats and giggles - never underestimate the power of friendship. It truly is a special kind of love. The same can be said for family - to my younger brother (when I grow up I want to be just like you) and to my parents and aunts, you guys are incredible and I can't express how much I appreciate you. I know I only live across the water but being away from home really makes you appreciate the little home comforts.   

So now to begin to plan for Christmas and all that lies ahead. This is going to be my year. I can feel it!!

Thanks for the memories!

This weekend saw the culmination of  4 years of blood sweat and tears! (Well 5 years really!) I finally graduated - meaning in the eyes of the world I am now 100% officially a teacher - celebrations can be heard throughout the lands! It was a spectacular day, that I cannot deny, and it was lovely to share it with family and friends also. It was also an immense feeling of pride to be able to stand over what I have accomplished against the odds and know that I had done this myself, by myself, for myself. Isn't that incredible?? Most of you guys will know that although I qualified in Ireland I do now work in England and it was a personal choice I made for me and something I felt I had to do for my own personal life journey - and I'm learning loads so it has been a success so far!! Education truly is a lifelong journey and I couldn't  be prouder of myself for what I've accomplished in spite of all the obstacles i faced!

It was also really nice to be home for a weekend - its surprising how quickly you can become wrapped up in your own bubble of your new life! It's only been 7/8 weeks since I moved and it's crazy how easy it is to assimilate and forget that you have people in Ireland who care about you and are waiting to hear how you're getting on too! This is something I definitely need to work on in the near future!! Ireland is only an hour away but when you're living your own life it's sometimes easy to forget the life you left behind. 

Seeing my parents was incredible too and my nephew! Family really is the best way to raise your spirits! My poor Dad was so proud to see me graduate - proper tears of pride from Larry! I'm back home next weekend too so that I have a chance to proper catch up with friends and family for a week rather than a crazy rushed weekend. Its been a good life this past while - goes to show you have to take a leap and trust your instinct! Whats meant for you won't pass you!

Here's to the future!!

Short Hair....Do Care

An issue which I've been struggling with as of late has definitely been my hair. I've spoken about it before and how difficult growing it back can be and how your hair can make you feel genuinely ugly, which is a horrible feeling. So on this note I had been really thinking long and hard about hair extensions, something which I was a really patron of before I cut my hair. Thankfully there is now a hairspray store in Cork city meaning I no longer have to make the trek from Waterford to Dublin for a simple consultation. I've always had great experiences with the hairspray team and suffered no damage to my own hair when having the bonds removed which is a huge plus. The hair is fantastic quality and thick from top to bottom. So I'm thinking maybe a nice Christmas present to myself :) 

However since I have recently moved to London this does mean that I'm not home in Ireland to go to a Hairspray store! Which leads me back to Plan B!

I'm again taking HairBurst capsules - if you have read my previous post about these you will know I've had great experiences with the capsules in relation to both hair growth and the overall strength and look of my hair. I ordered a 3 month supply from Holland & Barrett as it was cheaper in the long run and left me with a £15 saving overall - I've been taking them a week as of now and I'm already noticing the shine come back into my hair again  (Thank God). 

In my previous experiences of these capsules - they are just a natural hair supplement - I was thrilled with my overall result and how much my hair grew, the only reason I stopped taking them was because of the price! Thankfully now that I am employed again I can restart the process again.  This time I will document my Hairburst journey with photographs and show exactly how much my hair has grown over the 3 month period as a picture speaks a thousand words and of course I personally trust pictures more than someone just telling me something works. 

Any comments or questions just let me know and I'll do the full review once the 3 months are up!

London Calling...

So one month officially down, and a crazy month it has been! I've moved country and started a new job, moved into a beautiful apartment with a crazy Irish lady from down the road at home (whom I never previously knew) and finally realised my dream of becoming a teacher. HECTIC OR WHAT?? I truly wouldn't have it any other way though! I've not only learned so much about myself from this experience but also about the person I want to become also. So after moving country, and then house three ties once I got here  (looooong story) I'm finally settled and finding my feet and what better way to do that than by exploring??

Last weekend I went to Windsor and Holy Moses it is truly divine! From the stunning castle to the picturesque town in itself no words could do it justice! While we wandered the cobbled streets feeling envious of all who reside in Windsor, we did realise how lucky we are to have this experience in life and to be in a position where we can afford such trips on an ongoing basis. We are by no means rich - after all we are but teachers - but it is a nice sense of comfort to know that we can look forward to little days of exploration in the future! It is truly amazing also when I read e-mails from people who read my blog (I know shock horror people actually read this thing) who say I've inspired them to follow their dream and move or that they had also suffered from mental health issues and are now beginning to see an upside again and are planning adventures! Each and every single one of you are amazing by virtue of the fact that you get up each day and keep on living! That in itself is an adventure, and don't let anyone ever take that away from you!


Overall this month has been amazing and I'm genuinely excited for whats to come in the next month! Visits from friends, my graduation, trips home and more exploring of course!I'm just so genuinely grateful for this opportunity I've been given and so happy to be going through it with some of the most incredible people too! It's truly amazing how much your life can change in a short amount of time and how much you realise you suddenly want to do and achieve that never even crossed your mind prior to this!

I'm not going to lie I was hesitant to move, it was a huge decision to leave my family and friends behind and also to move outside my comfort zone - especially after the difficult year i'd had but once I got it into my head and started to get excited about what lay ahead there as no stopping me, I was moving and that was it! And Boy am I glad I did!

My one piece off advice to you guys would be to trust your instincts - do what your heart is telling you to do! More often than not its what you were meant to do all along!!