Christianna Vlamis

Early Years Teacher, London

My mother was a big inspiration for me to become a teacher. She has been a nursery or reception teacher for as long as I can remember, I used to help her during summer school.

Why I chose to attend Leeds Trinity and my best memories

I chose to attend Leeds Trinity as I really enjoyed my first visits to the campus and the fact that everything was in such close proximity. The campus was so close to the town centre and living on campus meant there was such a short distance between lectures. This was all great as this was my first time living in the UK.

I loved living and studying at Trinity, it was really exciting on my first night meeting my new flat mates in our communal kitchen where we played games and got to know one another.

Valuable opportunities

In my second year, after a few months of fundraising, I was able to work with the University to join the Think Pacific volunteer teaching programme, where I was able to live and teach children in a remote Fijian village for a month. The programme placed me with a family in the village of Ucunivanua, where I adapted to their way of life and worked with teachers at the local school to help teach English and Maths.

On the weekends, we would go and explore the island with the people in the village and learn how to make Fijian food, make baskets and fans out of palm tree leaves, and join in with local traditions. This was by far the most amazing experience of my life and was incredibly rewarding – although it did make me very sad to leave my Fijian family. I was incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to learn and appreciate their way of life.

My career after graduating

I am a nursery class teacher at an academy school in London where I’m teaching children who are taking their first steps in education. I love spending time with the children, making connections and watching them develop is incredibly rewarding.

My inspiration to be a teacher

My mother was a big inspiration for me to become a teacher. She has been a nursery or reception teacher for as long as I can remember, I used to help her during summer school when I was in high school as a teaching assistant for the new children who would be joining in September. I love working with children and my mum helped to realise this, encouraging me to pursue a degree at Leeds Trinity.

My advice to students thinking about doing a similar course

I would strongly recommend either doing a placement or taking a term abroad. Going to Fiji was by far the most rewarding and incredible experience of my life and I would absolutely encourage everyone else, even if you’re scared to take that step, just to do it.

Also, becoming a student ambassador for the University is a great way to meet other people further afield than your flat or your course. The work you do is really fun and definitely builds a bigger sense of community at the University – and you can make a bit of money as well.