News/Blog
June has come around once again and there is only one thing, we should all be celebrating. No, it isn’t the 2001 Version of Lady Marmalade hitting number 1 on the billboard charts (although that’s not a bad idea). It’s Pride Month! A month that celebrates all things LGBTQ+, raises awareness and pushes for equality and before you ask, yes, we still have to do that.
Since coming out in 2005 I have seen many positive changes that have helped LGBTQ+ individuals become brave enough to accept who they are. From the legalisation of marriage for same sex couples to the explosion of social media; creating safe havens and communities for those who are still afraid of being accepted for who they are. Through this, I have often asked myself who I am and what I am willing to accept in terms of prejudice and support.
After completing her A Levels in 2001, Fay progressed straight into the workforce. While she did complete a Level 3 NCQ in Sport and Allied Occupations and a Level 3 ILM in Leadership and Management, she still felt that her academic ability was limited, particularly when she began her role at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
“I struggled with feelings of imposter syndrome. To increase my confidence, I attended a Women’s Development programme in 2015… it was here that I began to consider what my future could look like and how I wanted to build on my academic ability.”
33-year-old Natalie Morgan from Penarth, has been shortlisted in the Higher Apprentice of the Year category at the national awards. She completed the Level 4 and 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management with Portal, which also earned her a nomination as Learner of the Year (Sport category) at the Portal Awards 2020.
Having worked as an actor in London for 10 years, upon returning to Penarth, Natalie decided to get some more qualifications under her belt. After securing a role with Welsh Gymnastics, she began her higher-level apprenticeships whilst working on some incredible community projects, including one of the most successful female only, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic projects in Wales.
There is nothing quite like a rugby match against England to bring out the patriotism and ‘hwyl’ in the Welsh. Many of my good friends are English, I love many parts of England, my brother and my sister live in England, and nothing feels more exhilarating than beating the English. Beating them at anything, but especially beating them at rugby.
Perhaps everyone remembers the interview for their first job. I certainly remember mine from 1988. A formidable primary adviser of the time asked me how I would set up my classroom. I realise now that she suspected that as a student teacher, I had only ever taught in classrooms set up by others. She was keen to see what type of learning environment I would establish.
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