First Day of Placement

Hey everyone,

I had my first day of placement today at a high school in Hamilton. After searching online for the travel times, I deemed it to take me an hour to get there. My residence, also thought it would be a great idea to stage a fire drill sometime between 6-8am this morning! After much complaining from the PGDE students about disrupting our time to get ready for placement, it was narrowed down to sometime between 6:30-7:30am. I got ready early and managed to be nearly ready by the time it went off! Anyways, I survived the drill and skipped off on my way to the train station. Boy, do I wish I had worn different shoes today!

I made it to the high school without incident, only to find that I hadn't needed to come in until later on in the day! I actually didn't mind being there the whole day though, as I had more time to get to know the science department teachers and sit in on a few classes. To my great relief, I was able to understand the students for the most part. Most were interested in me (the new person at the back of the class), and kept stealing glances. I was mostly in general science classes all day, and walked around helping students with assignments and tasks. I was asked if I was from America, a lot!

In short, I had a great first day! The teachers were amazing and so helpful and friendly to me. They really made me feel welcome, and all of them offered help if I ever needed it. The students were for the most part, similar to Canadian students! Some were lazy and disinterested, while others actively participated in class. I picked up a few tips on classroom management. I'm feeling pretty good about the next two weeks, and I even get a 4 day weekend! That definitely is going to help me get through these 6am wakeups!

Anyways, I miss Canada a bit, and definitely my family, friends and Western! I keep getting updates and events on fb sent to me about Western, and it makes me a little sad that I'm missing out. But, i'm having an amazing time here in Scotland and am pumped for when I actually get to teach!

Peace out,

Nush

Birthday Shenanigans

Hey everyone,

I apologize for the lack of updates recently! School is going well, same old... same old!  I just want to marvel about how I have met such nice friends here! My birthday was last Friday, but on Thursday I went out to a comedy club with a bunch of my fellow science teachers. A few who were unable to celebrate with me on Friday, baked me a wonderfully delicious chocolate cake, decorated with icing and smarties! Mmmmm!!! It was amazing, and such a surprise! I can't thank them enough for making me feel so special! Afterwards, we hit up the comedy club for a night of hilarity. The headliner turned out to be a Canadian from Nova Scotia, and brought down the house :)

The next day, after class, I headed straight to the pub across the street for some Banoffee pie. For those who are unaware, it is made up of toffee and banana and is heavenly! Of course my friends didn't let me pay for anything on my bday and spoiled me rotten! In the evening, we went out for Thai for dinner, and then a bunch of lovely people came by my place for a predrink and then out for some dancing!

I'd love to shout out to the lovely people who sent me cards and presents :) It was a great birthday abroad!

-Nush

Heading South

Hey everyone,

Last weekend I headed to London, England for a weekend with my extended family! Thanks to my cousin Ganesh booking my flight early morning, I had to arrive at the airport at about 5am... :S Other than my early start to the weekend, I was promptly spoiled and doted upon all weekend long! I'm not sure i've ever eaten as much food in my life as I was encouraged to take second servings for all 3 meals...

I had a great time seeing my grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins from both sides of my family. For those who I missed, i'll be sure to see you next time! I even got to meet my cousin's 1 month old baby, who is such a cute boy and definitely more spoiled than me haha.

Besides eating, I went to a wedding in Milton Keynes, went shopping and to the movies with my guy cousins (watched The Expendables - possibly the most heads blown up EVER in a movie), celebrated my cousin Charmine's birthday, and attended a boat party. Needless to say, I was kept busy!

Thanks again to everyone who took care of me!

Can't wait to visit again,

Anusha