Blowing My Own Trumpet ... (No 2)

This one was written by an ex-student. He was actually the student that Jem accused me of having a relationship with. Reading it always makes me quite emotional.


"My name is XXXX XXXXXXX and last year I completed the (Advanced Level Qualification). I have now taken a year out of studying and am preparing a business plan for a proposed business venture.

I started college studying a (Intermediate Level Qualification) and Para was my (subject)lecturer. In my first year of study, during the (subject) lectures I did struggle a lot due to the transition from school to college. However, Para gave me relevant guidance to prioritise issues in my life in order for me to settle into a college routine.

During the (subject) lectures I felt Para treated me as an adult and with respect and care. In the actual assignments, they were well laid out and broken down in order for me to have the time to complete them without them affecting other assignments’ due dates.

Through the help and support of Para I achieved a Merit and it helped me to get onto the (Advanced Level Qualification) course. I was very happy that I had succeeded and this was because of Para's support.

During the start of (Advanced Level Qualification) two year course I did have a lot of personal issues with my family and social life which affected my concentration and effort towards my college work. I snapped back out of the routine I had during the (Intermediate Level Qualification). Para took time out to sit down with me and again counsel me which enabled me to understand what was going on in my life. Not many people I have met in the past have given time out to help me and Para was the first one. This meant a lot to me as I saw Para as a mother figure and someone I could always go to if I had any problems.

During Para's (subject) lessons over this course, I found them very enjoyable. As well as concentrating on doing the work Para also allowed us to have the odd occasional joke. Para was always smartly dressed for lessons and well-organised. To her we were her ‘kids’ and she had to support us and give us her utmost best education, which basically met the college’s aim in striving for excellence. Para never brought any personal problems to college and was always a cheerful person. However she did know quite a large amount of information on outside college issues and what was going on in the community which helped her to understand her students. Para provided us, as well as with education also issues that would help us face outside college.

I personally found (subject) very enjoyable and my grades reflected that as I got Distinctions. My own tutor was Head of the Division. When it came down to doing our UCAS applications, we had to do them with our tutor. However though because he had such a responsible job, it was hard to find him to help us with the application. However Para personally volunteered to help me and others. Para personally sat down beside me and guided me through the UCAS application, which I completed and managed to send before the deadline date. This is just another example of how Para helped us and supported me.

I do see Para quite often as she comes shopping at my workplace. Whenever I see Para she’s still the same old Para, enjoying her teaching and enjoying her social life. We can stand there for hours and reminisce the three years I had at college and it is good to just stand there and laugh about embarrassing moments and the successful moments. I have known Para for over three years and I can say that even though she was my teacher, she could be called one of my best friends. If I was to give a breakdown of Para I would say she’s respectful, well organised, excellent communication skills and she would be right for any job in the teaching industry."


Where's the Kleenex?

Para xxx