After completing the pilot year of the Chatteris English Teaching Internship, Jawariya reflects on both her personal and professional development, and how Chatteris helped her along the way…

A year ago feels like another chapter. The same city, the same streets,  yet back then, everything looked different. Even a zebra crossing or an MTR exit could remind me of that first interview day, when everything felt new. Now those same places feel familiar again, not because the world has changed, but because I have.

I carried confidence, but also hesitation. Stories from friends and relatives who had been treated differently because of their attire weighed on me. That fear followed me into the interview, until I asked the question that had been heavy in my chest: ‘Will my attire be a problem in teaching?’ The pause felt endless. Then came the words that changed everything: ‘No. We assure you it won’t be a problem.’

A Foundation of Support

This was my first real job, and professionalism felt unfamiliar. But Chatteris surprised me at every point. They were incredibly helpful and understanding, not only in the office, but outside too. As a Muslim, I have to pray during work hours, and they provided a safe space where I could do so. That made me feel secure and respected both in the office and at school.

There were challenges in educating, lessons that didn’t go as planned, students who struggled to engage, but Chatteris was always there, guiding us through, offering advice, and reminding us that growth comes with patience.

Orientation: Learning to Fly

The orientation period lasted two months, and it was like a mother bird feeding  her chicks: guiding, nurturing, and preparing them until they are ready to fly. It was friendly yet formal, structured yet warm. Mistakes weren’t judged; they were treated as part of learning. Senior employees shared their experiences, and programme managers observed our lessons monthly, tracking  our progress, and giving  us tips to improve.

We had the chance to co‑lead different levels of students, working alongside a wonderful English team at school. Each challenge we faced was met with support and encouragement. It wasn’t just preparation for my current job. It was training for the professional world , for future employment, and for careers beyond education .

Skills That Stay With Me

From these experiences, I gained more than certificates. I learned:

  • Adaptability: Shifting between co‑educating , leading, and supporting different student levels taught me to adjust quickly.
  • Communication:  Not just speaking, but listening, guiding, and giving feedback.
  • Confidence: Trusting myself to step into new spaces without hesitation.
  • Resilience: Facing challenges with patience, knowing growth is slow but steady.

These experiences didn’t just help me in my career. They  taught me how to manage my life, my skills, my problems, how to be a better person in general.

Looking Forward

Professional development is not just about what I’ve gained, it is about where these skills can take me. I see myself continuing to grow in education, but also beyond it: in community work, leadership, or even global opportunities.

Careers, like classrooms, are rarely linear. They twist, they surprise, they demand courage. But every skill gained, every connection made, is a step toward shaping not just my career, but the communities I will serve.

And just like that mother bird, Chatteris prepared me with care, patience, and guidance – then let me spread my wings. Now, I am flying not only into my career, but into a future shaped by resilience, empathy, and confidence.

Keen to develop professional skills inside and outside the classroom? Click here to see if you qualify for the Chatteris English Teaching Internship, and apply now.