To My Teachers

Like I posted on my Twitter and Facebook profiles recently, it's Teacher Appreciation Week and I am more than happy to praise all good Teachers and Mentors that I have had the privilege of crossing paths with in my lifetime. I have a long education and have studied at my different schools, colleges and other education centres so my encounters with teachers are that of many. Therefore, my list may seem extensive but believe when I tell you that in comparison to some of the dreaded 'should not be teaching just to make a wage' folk that I have had the misfortune of meeting, the good ones stand out because as I have found there to be so few.

So here's to the serious, passionate, trustworthy, professional, knowledgeable and genuinely nice ones (not all on my list tick all those boxes lol but all of them have affected my life in a great way with their role). I may not remember everyone's name but you know who you are; Miss Snell, Miss Gordine, Ms. Peduzzi, Mrs. Rupchand, Ms. Sproule for all your help even after I left, Mr. Birch,  Mr. Hughes (RIP) even for the detentions. My P.E teacher for eventually getting me to like sports to the extent that I was captain (repeatedly). The lovely English teacher in year 7 who pushed me to enter my first poetry competition. Mrs. Downs for making me realise my culinary talent, Mr. Drummond for pushing my class to that 100%. My intermediate class Maths teacher who got me to actually like the subject and who'll be elated to know that I've now got a qualification in Accounting.

Miss Angela from primary school who I should've listened to more than once as a shy child, Mr. Asan, Mrs. Corridor, Mr. West, Miss Rowland, Mrs. Combs and the substitute teacher that rhymed with every sentence fascinating all of us infants and inspired me to write poetry as oppose to just reading it. Mr. Spriggs who welcomed me with open arms and was so sad to see me leave. Mark Mason for being the beloved tutor that you were and for giving me such a fantastic reference. Alan and Daryl for adding to that same joyful college experience that made me do tremendously well in my exams.

The lovely Egyptian man (RIP) who was the only supportive and nice tutor from culinary school. My Business teacher from adult college who had such confidence in the success of my entrepreneurial future. My Japanese teacher, Marivi for helping me to excel in Spanish and encouraging me to take it further. Bob Bentley, Stephanie Caplan, Hassan, Brilliant for being just that (that's his real name) with your determination to see me persevere. Adam Nimoy for giving me the film education and encouragement at NYFA that I was not getting at university back home. Alfonzo my friendly and helpful driving instructor in LA, Alam my extremely helpful (I passed) driving instructor in UK. My kickboxing instructors who pushed me to be at my physical best, making me fall in love with the martial art. Liz Agbettoh for being a great mentor during and after my work experience.

Since I have had the headache of going through many, stressful enrolment processes to apply for all my education I want to give an extra shout-out to all the supportive and great 'customer service having,' administrative team members who made those experiences less stressful. I am specifically addressing those special individuals from the enrolment and the finance departments who went above and beyond or even just did your job as you were meant to, to assist me. If only you knew.

I deteste faculty members and staff that take advantage of their position in power only to abuse students by disrupting qualifications and admissions for whatever their personal or unprofessional reasons may be, thus ruining lives. This strikes a chord with me as you may have gathered because I have been on the receiving end of this too many times to count. I love education but to a degree a hate the process. The people named above have touched my life in a personal way with either their efforts or their kindness, thus helping me to enjoy the process and I am beyond grateful for that.