If someone had asked me five years ago what job I saw myself doing in the future I would not have been able to answer. However now I cannot see myself doing anything else. But how did I make this choice?

For as long as I can remember I have always loved working with young people. From being a playground buddy in P7, to mentoring younger pupils in my secondary school and even becoming a voluntary youth leader for young teenagers. Through all these experiences I gained more confidence in myself but also saw what it was like to have an impact on the life of a young person, whether that was in their academic life or their personal one, and I found it so rewarding that I was always searching for new ways to get involved with children and youth work.

When it came to deciding what path I wanted to take for my career, however, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of what I would enjoy but also be good at. Various family members and friends told me that teaching would be something they thought I would succeed at, however as a pupil who was needing extra support in her own school life I doubted whether it was something I could do.

I decided to do work experience in a primary school and although I was uncertain about it at first, I began to realise that teaching was something I would love to do. After spending time working one-to-one with a boy who needed extra maths support, I saw how I could have the same effect on children as my teachers had been having on me when I needed the additional support and encouragement, making me realise how rewarding it was to give back to the education system that I had gained so much from.

Although I did not yet know it a few years ago, I had been gaining experience in youth and children’s work my whole life, not for my CV or university application, but simply because I have always had a passion for working with young people. I know now that although I did choose to become a primary teacher, I do not believe I could have chosen anything else and I am excited for the journey ahead of me.