Tia Emmens

Meet Tia, a Primary Education student here at Cumbria. Read her story to discover what she loves most about her course and what inspired her to get into teaching.

Why did you choose to study your course – what or who inspired you?

I’ve always loved the idea of being a teacher. As a kid, whenever I couldn’t sleep, I used to sit my teddies down and I’d pretend to teach a class. I’ve had a wide range of inspirational teachers, but one that stood out to me was the deputy head in my primary school. She made my experiences in primary school enjoyable and ultimately inspired me to become a teacher.

I discovered my course in year 12 and immediately fell in love with it. I’ve always considered the idea of working with children with SEND, but knowing there was a course out there that felt so specific to me just set it all in stone. I knew from the minute I found the course on UCAS that it was where I wanted to go and now, I’m in my second term of first year and I’m so glad I found this course!

Why did you choose the University of Cumbria over other universities?

I chose the University of Cumbria for many different reasons. One of them being the sentimental value to me. My nana had come to the same campus when she was starting out her nursing career, so it held a special place in my heart to know that I’m on the same campus as her.

I also chose the University of Cumbria because it's one of the only universities in the country with a course like mine. There is only one other university that offers Primary Education with SEND and QTS. Knowing that just made it feel even more special to me.

And the final reason I chose Cumbria was because of the campus size. Everything is so close together and it makes the whole experience more relaxing. When I first started looking at universities, I often felt overwhelmed with the sheer number of students on campus. But, when I first stepped foot onto the Lancaster campus of the University of Cumbria, I felt relaxed and comfortable, which really set it in stone that this was where I was meant to be.

How have you found your placement(s)? Where was your placement, and what was it like?

I’ve honestly really enjoyed my placement! I’ve been placed at a school in Lancaster which is close to where I currently live. Placement has been enjoyable; I’ve loved getting hands on with my teacher training and watching how the children learn, and I’ve really enjoyed the paperwork side of it all. I had a few hiccups along the way, but my placement mentor has been amazing with supporting me through it all. I’ve so far only completed 4 weeks of placement, but I do go back in February for a further 5 weeks and I’m so excited!

How have your tutors supported you during your studies?

My tutors have been beyond amazing with the support during my first term at university. From the academic side of things to mental health to helping me get further support; they truly have made my university experience ten times better and I couldn’t be more thankful for them. I didn’t expect there to be such a sheer amount of support from the tutors, but it really does show that at the University of Cumbria, you are more than just a number.

How is university life beyond your studies?

I’m usually quite a quiet person and I never really let myself out my comfort zone, so moving into student accommodation was quite the scare for me. But I am so thankful I did it. I absolutely adore my flatmates, and they have made the whole experience so much easier. I’ve been able to make so many new friends and really been able to push myself out my comfort zone with talking to new people and making new friends. It really is just a whole different experience.