Alumni Stories – Emma Allison, Inspiring York
Emma Allison has made a career out of inspiring the York community, from teaching in local primary schools, trekking at over 5,000 metres in Nepal, to bringing Himalayan experience to a weekly yoga class.
A York home
Emma graduated from York St John University in 2014 with first-class honours in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status.
‘I thoroughly enjoyed my time at York St John. The course brought a range of valuable experiences and opportunities to study education both within and outside of the school environment.’
After finishing her degree, Emma taught in Sheffield for a year, but moved back to York in 2015. Since then she’s been actively involved in the local area.
Emma has volunteered at Explore York Library and worked with the York Minster and the Railway Museum, inspiring and engaging a range of learning groups and visitors. However, teaching isn’t Emma’s only passion.
InSpired by adventure
Emma celebrates her trek in Nepal on the Thorang La Pass
‘I have always had a great love and enjoyment for the outdoors; fitting in as much climbing, running and yoga as my time will allow.’
In April 2018, Emma travelled to Nepal to complete the Annapurna Circuit trek.
‘My Grandfather had previously completed many treks within Nepal and, inspired by his stories and photographs, I decided to go for it! I trekked up to the altitude of 5,416 metres, crossing the great Thorong La pass. It was both challenging and truly incredible.’
Following her success in Nepal, Emma travelled to India to complete her Yoga Teacher Training.
‘I studied and completed my 200-hour Multi Style Yoga Teacher Training with Trimurti Yoga in Dharamsala, within the Indian Himalayas. It was a real daring adventure for me, travelling solo for the month. I learnt so much – about yoga, myself and India!’
The course inspired Emma’s yoga practice and her passion to share yoga with others.
Yoga for Everyone
The setting for Emma’s yoga education, in Dharamsala, India
For four days a week, Emma is a primary school teacher, and on her other weekday she pursues her passion for yoga.
‘I have created a new yoga class named “Yoga for Everyone”. So far, I have taught two very successful classes, welcoming all abilities.’
Emma runs the classes every Thursday 1.15pm – 2.15pm at Heworth Community Centre. She hopes to eventually run an evening class as well.
‘The main style of my Yoga class is Hatha flow – creative, gentle and stabilising, which both comforts and challenges all abilities. My classes bring together a range of ages, creating a space not just for Yoga practice, but for socialising and connecting with others within the community.’
Emma’s class also offers free tea and biscuits for afterwards as a chance to connect and share with others. She believes that yoga ‘gives us all time and opportunities to connect and reflect on ourselves, others, our passions, our adventures and set intentions to grow as individuals.’
If you’ve been inspired by Emma’s passion for education and yoga, check out ‘Yoga for Everyone’!
