Its very surprising to me that, I am now in the field of education for 13years. We sometimes need to reflect on our past journey to see how far we have really come.
My first job was at a boarding school in the Ixopo area.I had never lived away from home so a newbie out of university and a city girl this was a big change. I recall looking for cellphone reception as we drove to Ixopo, we have never been to this place so it was a defo a family roadtrip. As we got more and more inland on windy roads, I began getting a little nervous.
Eventually we arrived at the school, which immediately reminded me of an old English boarding schools much like the ones I read about. The setting and surroundings were breathtaking the rolling green fields described in Alan Paton’s book Cry the beloved country. Later I learnt that Alan Paton was actually the Headmaster of the school at some point how amazing.
It was a very small high school with only 500 boys and girls and only 25 staff. All staff lived on the premises ane were mostly husbands and wives. The girls hostel in which my flat was in was run by 2 very English matrons very typical to the books we all have read growing up. The garden even had English roses and hedges.
The school was steeped in tradition and sport. All staff were required to coach teams and be actively involved in extra curricular activities. As its such a small town there was not much to do so guess been involved in school life was not too bad. The town had 1 main street with roughly about 8 shops. Cabin fever especially for a city girl.I did things I never did before like coach a swimming team, start a supper theatre and host the first ever cultural day at the school.
Within that year, I applied for a job in the UK and was successful. Th headmaster was not happy about losing a young staff member. So in the same year that I started I left to start the new adventure in my life in London.
I did enjoy my first year of teaching, made some amazing friends, got to coach sports and got to know some fab kids who are all now grown up but still keep in touch. Its amazing how far and wide my journey has taken me. The road ahead now seems more amazing and I look forward to new adventures that my career path leads me too.
Ciao
X
Spicegoddess 