Teacher in New Zealand
Class of 1994
PE and Rec Man/Social Studies
If you studied your undergraduate programme at York St John University or founder colleges, did you go on to postgraduate study?
Yes, somewhere else.
Why have you chosen this photo as your YSJ snapshot?
The first is me leaving UK, feb. 2022, after 2 years a delay due to the dreaded vid and the second is me visiting Rotorua after a couple of months in my new home…
What are your fondest memories of York St John University?
- My fondest memories of my 4 years at St Johns are many and varied. So here goes;
- friends, so many friends
- Heworth Croft in the snow, building giant snow willies on the lawn
- Cycling all around York, to lectures, to the pub, to rugby matches at Hull Rd
- Summer and Winter Balls, club dinners with your girlfriend
- The porters and staff being friends, Trish in reception
- Finding a quiet corner in the library for some last minute essay writing, or to get over a hangover
- The ladies in the Student Union who would type your essays out
- Handing in my special study on my birthday, 1994
- Archies Day, the proper one at Xmas, and always ending up in the Brig
- Carol singing in town, wearing number ones and John Maw (RIP) conducting
- The walk of shame of Thursday morning
- Driving around York on a Saturday to find enough players to make a team up
And so many more……….
When I visit York, less frequently now live in NZ, I walk around every corner still expecting to see friendly faces to go for a pint with, but when I see St Johns students, chatting away, excitedly, making plans and buzzing with youth, I’m taken back to those days in the 90’s when the world was ours. And I was happy with my Desmond for a degree….
Why did you choose York St John University or founder colleges?
A friend of mine from school already attended so I had been and visited a few times when I was serving in the RAF.
What have you been doing since completing your studies?
I am now happily teaching in Auckland, NZ, following emigrating in 2022. I teach Technology and and loving life and teaching again following a move from the suffocating English NC. Much more practical and hands here which is my forte.
What one piece of advice would you give to a current student, or one about to graduate?
Grab everyday and get the most out of it. It goes too soon and you will never be able to get them back.