Glad to Be

Written for https://pensitivity101.wordpress.com/2025/05/26/share-your-world-26th-may/

1.  It’s the second May Bank Holiday here in the UK and the kids are on half term break. In your country, do schools have a ‘Half Term’ break? I am glad to be on half term break. As I teaching assistant I get the same perks.
2.  Education methods have changed a lot since I left school in 1972.
   Would you like to be learning in a classroom of today? Nothing much has changed . . . apart from mobile phones, a different style of teaching, and the behaviour of students within it. It does depend on the teacher, and within my job I see a variety of different styles. Some work, and some don’t. But then that happened when I went to school; especially when an inexperienced supply teacher entered the classroom. Teachers were allowed to hit us, and I am glad that doesn’t exist in today’s educational system. They recognise there are pupils with additional needs, so they can be supported. In my role I have the same training, which I find useful when dealing with students with ADHD, or Autism.
3.  Did you leave school as soon as you could, or did you go on to study for a degree or other higher education? I ran out of the building and ripped all my books. I wanted to go to college, but there were strict guidelines of qualifications to get in. I am learning as an adult, and took my first Math GCSE exam this year. At the same time as year eleven (not in the same room). I passed my English exam with a seven (A) in 2020.
4.  When you entered the working world, did your job require ‘qualifications’ or did you learn on the job? Aged fourteen I learnt how to touch type, and do shorthand (50 words per minute for both). I can still touch type, but lost the ability for the other qualification. My first job was working as a typist. I was let go after a month. Too much Tipex and too many mistakes. I did work in another office when I was younger, but found it boring. However, in my fifties, I prefer any administration duties. I learnt on the job for most of my positions. The longest period of working for the same company was Royal Mail. I was made redudant when my son was seven. I saw the support his TA was for him, and wanted to do the same. I am thinking of retiring next year, but I prefer to keep busy, so will probably ask to work part-time, or find somewhere else.

I am grateful for being able to learn at my age; girls weren’t encouraged when I was sixteen.