I dedicate this post to my wonderful boyfriend who has been pestering me to write another blog for a while now!
It is nearly the end of the academic year for me. I have been formally and 'informally' observed, written four assignments, been criticised and critiqued, nurtured, supported, cried and laughed. I have been at the University of Oxford, living in a beautiful college come night, visiting or being visited by family and friends (mostly Chris..!) at weekends, and standing at the front of some classroom or other during the days. I have seen my fair share of hellish teachers (ahem, my evil ex-Mentor), troublesome kids (8N God bless you!), and I have finally ended the year at a lovely school, and appreciated Oxford through attending a rather spectacular Summer Solstice Ball and countless yummy college dinners.
I cannot believe how fast these last few weeks and months have gone. It feels so bizarre that in September I will be moving in with my boyfriend into our own little apartment (eee!!!) and starting my proper first job as a qualified secondary school English teacher. Yes I may only be 4 years older than some of the kids I will be teaching, but I feel as if a lot has gone on in those four years that separates and distinguishes me from the 6th form, so fingers crossed I will carry that across!
This year, I have also become a "foodie". I don't know how this happened, but I have gained an overwhelming appreciation of food. In all shapes and sizes. Maybe I have become spoilt by college grub, but I doubt it. I think the 'hunger' has emerged from not having a convenient kitchen closer than 3 flights of stairs away... oh and eating a variety of foods for the first time!
I had never heard of 'tapenade' before, for example. Oh- and I had never eaten an apple with a knife and fork before... Ahh...But this year has revolved around more than just the classroom. This year I have been reminded of just how special and wonderful my family and friends are. I have loved the moments spent in the company of friends. BBQs, croquet in gardens (!), watching Disney movies in the MCR, celebrating my 22nd birthday in a really pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, and generally being around in the sunshine.
I cannot wait for what next year will bring!
* Decorating a new series of rooms!!
* Learning to cook some yummy grub, to satisfy the new 'foodie' me haha
* Having my own classroom and classes and maybe even a form to look after and nurture
*Making time to visit and be visited by friends and family :)
The future's bright!
