Looking back, I realise that my journey towards becoming a teacher began with the teachers who believed in me. Born and raised in Romania, I moved to the United Kingdom at the age of sixteen to continue my secondary education. There, I had the privilege of being taught by remarkable teachers who not only inspired my passion for chemistry but also showed me what it truly means to be an educator. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and genuine care for their students had a profound impact on me and inspired me to pursue a career in both science and education.

I went on to study Chemistry at the University of St Andrews, one of the United Kingdom’s leading universities, where I completed an integrated Master of Chemistry (MChem) degree with a specialisation in Computational Chemistry. My research focused on modelling intermolecular interactions using quantum chemical methods, an experience that strengthened my analytical thinking and deepened my appreciation for scientific discovery.

My five years in Scotland were a period of both academic and personal growth. Alongside my studies, I was a member of the university basketball team, competing in national competitions across Scotland and England. Later, I became actively involved in mountaineering, hiking, salsa, and bachata societies. These experiences strengthened my teamwork and leadership skills and reinforced my belief that learning extends far beyond the classroom.

During my fourth year at university, I chose an optional education module, which gave me the opportunity to teach in a local secondary school in the north of Scotland. It was then that I realised teaching was the path I wanted to pursue. Standing in front of a classroom confirmed how much I enjoyed working with young people and helping them understand complex scientific ideas in an engaging and accessible way.

To continue my professional development, I completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Science at King’s College London, graduating in 2026 and obtaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). During my teacher training, I taught Science and Chemistry across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 in two very different London schools. Working with students from a wide range of cultural, linguistic and educational backgrounds taught me to adapt my teaching to meet the needs of every learner and strengthened my belief that every student can succeed when they are supported, challenged and encouraged to reach their full potential.

During my teacher training, I was also awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry Teacher Training Scholarship, a competitive national scholarship that recognises outstanding future chemistry teachers for their academic achievement, passion for chemistry, and potential to make a significant contribution to science education.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy staying active and exploring new experiences. Hiking, travelling and salsa dancing are some of my greatest passions, as they continually challenge me to step outside my comfort zone, connect with people from different backgrounds and keep learning. I believe these experiences help shape the teacher I am, bringing energy, creativity and curiosity into the classroom while reminding me that learning is a lifelong journey.

I believe that the role of a teacher extends far beyond delivering subject knowledge. My goal is for students to leave my classroom not only with a deeper understanding of chemistry and science, but also with greater confidence in their own abilities, the curiosity to ask questions and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning. I am delighted to be joining the Avenor community and look forward to helping students become inquisitive, resilient and confident young people who enjoy exploring the world around them.