I continued with my education in Bradford and started off by attending an 'Immigrant Centre' to learn basic English and study other subjects offered. In September 1978, I joined Shipley College of Further Education where I successfully studied for my O-levels and A-levels. I went ahead to do a Combined Sciences course at North East London Polytechnic from where I graduated in 1985 with a BSc honours degree.

I did some voluntary work and took on a part time job as assistant at The Percival Whitely College in Halifax. It was at this point that I thought of becoming a college lecturer so I started a course in teacher training at Holly Bank in Huddersfield. I successfully completed my PGCE in 1987.

Initially, there were severe difficulties in obtaining lecturing posts in Further Education Colleges (FE) because there were none appropriate for me. I started applying for science teaching posts in secondary schools but encountered immediate problems because of the PGCE certificate was for lecturing in FE

I resolved this problem by doing collaborative teaching and observations of science teachers at Clare Hall School in Halifax. I successfully completed my training here and got a suitable reference from this school which resulted in me securing my first post in a London school. I have never been out of a job since then.

My best teacher, role model and the person who truly influenced my education is Mr J Rockett. He inspired me and encouraged me to pursue my ambitions. He also taught me Biology which was my best subject.

I was very nervous and self-conscious when I first started teaching especially when I was being observed by colleagues who had more experience. With time I coped better with this. My main achievement is that I have learnt a great deal from the constructive criticism offered by my colleagues.

My interest and enthusiasm in teaching continues by helping and seeing young children learn science and develop as educated and responsible citizens. To see them succeed in life gives me a great deal of motivation to continue in the teaching career.

I have undertaken numerous in-service courses to update my knowledge. I participate in a Bradford based project to raise pupil achievement and volunteer to teach GCSE science and maths at a local community centre on weekends

Currently, I am key Stage 3 science co-ordinator at a school in Bradford. I am also a Teacher Fellow at Bradford College. I enjoy this role very much as I am able to make a contribution to teaching and learning of science to trainees by bringing in classroom experience.

My message to the people who want to become teachers is that however demanding and stressful, this profession is once again gaining the respect it deserves and becoming more attractive and rewarding. If you want a challenging career, teaching is for you!