I was attracted to teaching because I want to inspire the next generation of students to reach their potential in science, particularly physics. I am so grateful for the opportunities my teachers gave me and reading recent headlines highlighting the gender disparity in the number of girls taking physics at A Level, really encouraged me to work as a female role model in physics.
I chose to study at St Mary’s because of its good reputation among teachers that I spoke to along with its Outstanding Ofsted report and its location. Whilst the application process for the scholarship was rigorous, it was fantastic to have been given the award and, aside from the monetary bonus, the mentoring and support from the Institute of Physics will be a great help and being part of a network of new physics teachers will be extremely valuable.