It is my first-year teaching (2021), and the experience is completely different from what I was told or imagined it to be. I work with 90 different personalities + mindsets across grades 10 to 12. There were times where I felt overwhelmed, exhausted and anxious. But I know there is someone that I can talk to. My coach supports me professionally and personally. What I go through in my personal life impacts how I show up in the classroom. But my coach provides me with a listening and thinking space, without judgement and criticism. My coach listens, provides guidance and helps me draft a plan forward. I feel supported with my mental health, and I now know there is a space for me to also come first. She also helped me with time management strategies and classroom management tips.

 have been teaching now for 8 months and there have been ups and downs but one of the most beautiful experiences to date are that I entered my learners for the Provincial Business Studies Quiz. Immaculata High School has never done this before and stepping into my leadership capability, I said ‘what do I have to lose, I believe in my girls”. The girls passed all 6 rounds and are now my Business Studies Class sits at the TOP 5 of all schools and 3 of my learners are in the top 10 in the Western Cape Province! I feel so emotional about the results, I am happy, and I give credit to Teach the Nation. TTN taught me to be an active leader that takes on challenges and risks.