January 2023 – that is when my optional placement module on my undergraduate course began. At the time, I was unsure of what my next step would be once I graduated. I knew I wanted to train to become a teacher, but I didn’t know which sector I wanted to enter.

Would I be the multi-tasking primary school teacher where two days are never the same? Or would I be the high school teacher that was mentoring students who were taller than her?

Nonetheless, starting that placement gave me the confirmation I needed as I fell in love with the day-to-day rhythm of a primary classroom and the joy of positively impacting the lives of today’s children. That was it! I had decided that I would apply for to study a PGCE in Primary Education during my third year.

But the penultimate question remained: where would I study this transformative course? Would I stay in the city that I was studying the undergraduate course, or would I move back home?

December 2024 – that is when I took a well-deserved trip to Jamaica for Christmas. Although my body was soaking up the sunshine as I walked through the streets of Lucea, Grange Hill, Savanna La-Mar, Bath Mountain and Montego Bay, my mind was entangled with thoughts about where I would study my PGCE in Primary Education.

I always believed I’d stay at my undergraduate university for my postgraduate studies, like many others do. Instead, every fibre of my being was yearning to take the big step of moving back home to Manchester.

After much reflection, I finally concluded that my vibrant, progressive and energetic city – Manchester – was the best option for me.

January 2025 – that was when I landed back into England with the burning desire to begin the process to apply for PGCE courses in Manchester. I scrolled and scrolled through courses available on the PGCE application website, but something kept bringing me back to the University of Manchester.

It was there that I felt most understood as a prospective trainee teacher, and where I believed my skills would be best nurtured and matured. So, alongside my undergraduate university and another institution, I applied to the University of Manchester.

I was immediately offered interviews at each institution and gladly accepted each of them. However, even though I had choices, my mind was focused and my body was situated on becoming a postgraduate student at the prestigious University of Manchester.

Friday 7th February 2025 – finally, the big day had arrived. Interview day! The waves of nervousness and anticipation had washed over me, but I was ready.

An hour later and I had finished.

I had been awarded with a place on the Primary PGCE at University of Manchester! All the thoughts, emotions and uncertainty had been worth it.

So, my word of advice? Explore and embrace new experiences in life! They may lead to you discovering a career that you never imagined.

Also, to the person who feels like moving back home after your undergraduate course is a step backwards – it isn’t. It is still a sign of growth. DO IT! You never know what it might lead to.

Written by Kahlia, a PGCE Primary student

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