In between residences awaiting student accommodation – I find myself in an Air B&B in an inner city area in Derby. And I am humbled, humbled by the charity, smiles and welcome by this multi-cultural area. On route to the gym last night there is the wonderful aroma of curry, an array of herbs and spices – I think that the families eating those delights are fortunate.
I haven’t blogged for a while as I wanted to show my respect for the people of Iran who are going through such troubles.
And as observations – my recent working experience has certainly been an eye-opener. At first, I was offered supply-teaching with an agency I found out about at the Freshers Fair, where I was also told that I couldn’t join the Army training corps society, as I was too old, very disappointing as I thought it would be a fun way of getting fit. The teaching was bizarre, without training – not even a zoom meeting – I was put in front of a class of secondary school children and told to teach them English. I felt out of my depth, I didn’t even know that I had to take a register – let alone follow the National Curriculum. Then the next day I was asked to teach Basketball? At the school, they said just show them how to dribble and pass? And 2 of the classes had reduced learning needs! At this point I had to fake being poorly, stated coughing and called an UBER! My family were highly amused especially when I suggested that I could teach them Yoga instead whilst standing there with my sound bar and in my sparkly leggings.
Then I do a stint in a well-known chemist selling a world-wide known fragrance – only to be pulled up on my grooming. I felt like a lamb to the slaughter, however, my sales were through the roof! And I concurred that some people in Customer facing Industries definitely need further training.
Such a materialistic society that we live in. I reflect on Wole Soyinka, the great African playwright, whose book is ‘The Chronicles of the Happiest people on earth,’ and they are all from a very financially deprived country. Happiness, I believe is Compassion, Humility and Gratitude in Abundance.
To leave you on a good note, I am now officially President of the Mature Students Society, with lots of fun evenings planned and of course no age limits – Under or Over!!
Best
Ali
University at 54 