Lucy Skinner tells us about her career and life after studying English Language at Reading:
Lucy Skinner graduated in 2009.
I left Reading in 2009. To be honest it feels bizarre even writing that; time really has flown! I did a BA in Applied English Language Studies which at the time was a very new course but the opportunities it offered me were so vast.
When I graduated, I genuinely wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I dipped my hand into PR and advertising. After all I’d spent three years perfecting my writing and communication skills! I considered journalism, marketing – even nursing. Nothing felt quite right though until I spent one afternoon helping my younger cousin with her English homework and it was there that I discovered my calling, teaching.
I went to Kingston University and did a PGCE in Primary Education where I graduated with distinction in 2012. I was fortunate to land my first job as an NQT at the school I did my final training placement. During the three years I’ve been there I’ve taught a wide range of subjects across the curriculum. I’ve been based in Year 5 since qualifying which has really allowed me to cement my knowledge and build confidence and I’m really proud to be judged as an ‘Outstanding teacher’. My BA from Reading has also supported my work as shadowing Literacy Coordinator at the school.
I have now been appointed a new teaching job at an independent school to commence in September this year as an English specialist. It’ll bring new demands and challenges but I’m very excited to start anew. As well as teaching, since leaving Reading, I have also had two children who are now 4 and 1. I can’t deny that going back to university and then working full time as a mum hasn’t been easy but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.