I am Aline Kirkby. I am many different people, often at the same time but all these roles make up me. I am a mum, a support teacher, a church secretary, a Scout leader, a Duke of Edinburgh coordinator, an adventurer, a technology guru to my ageing parents (more about that below), a student, friend, a success, a failure and a life-long learner.

When I was 5, I was either going to be a air stewardess or a primary school teacher. Since I get incredibly travel sick, my dream of spending my career in a moving object never eventuated. My other dream of becoming a teacher however is now a plan, not just a dream. It’s taken me a little longer than most to get here, but the journey has begun.

I am studying online part time, so I can still be all those different people I mentioned above. The most challenging role I play is technology guru to my parents. I need to remind myself often they were not born into a digital age. Technology has been thrust upon them and they are unwilling recipients. I could write a whole blog on the digital interactions I have with my parents. A few come to mind; like when they walk towards me with a mobile phone in their hand is code for “I’ve received a text and I don’t know how to open it or reply” or the time mum managed to delete the camera app off her phone. Now I know you say this is impossible, but believe me, for someone whose life ambition is to smash her computer before she dies because all technology is out to get her, she managed it. I love them dearly and appreciate the opportunity to learn patience. It’s a skill all teachers need.

I hope you find the posts on this site helpful and interesting. They were certainly challenging and interesting to research.