Starting my journey with KNSTE has honestly been such a full-circle moment for me. I came to the UK, in 2016, as an EAL student in Year 8 not knowing any English at all, and at that time I would have never imagined that I'd one day be training to become a teacher. Looking back now, it really shows how far I've come, and it's something I'm genuinely proud of.
I chose KNSTE because of the strong sense of support and community they offer. From everything I had heard and seen, it wasn't just about training to teach, it was about developing as a person as well. That really stood out to me, and now being part of it, I can say it's completely true. KNSTE has created an environment where you feel valued, supported and listened to from the very beginning.
One of the things that has made the biggest difference for me is how much they prioritise our mental health and wellbeing. It’s not just something they say, they actually put it into practice every day. There’s always someone to talk to, and the staff genuinely care about how we’re feeling, not just how we’re performing. That level of care has made me feel safe enough to grow and push myself outside of my comfort zone.
At the start of the course, I definitely had moments where I doubted myself and questioned whether I could actually do the training. It felt overwhelming at times, and I wasn’t always confident in my own abilities. But the staff at KNSTE were so patient, understanding and approachable. They really took the time to listen to me, support me and help me work through those feelings. Because of that, I never felt alone in the process.
Another really special part of this journey has been the people around me. As a group of trainees, we’ve made so many memories together during our practical sessions, and over time we’ve genuinely become like a small family. We support each other, celebrate each other’s wins and help each other through the more challenging moments. That sense of community has made such a difference and has made the whole experience even more meaningful.
I’ve also really enjoyed the Early Years specialism days. They’ve been such a highlight for me, helping me develop my understanding of how children learn in those early stages and giving me practical ideas that I can take straight into my placement. Those sessions have made me even more confident in my practice and have reinforced that this is the phase I’m really passionate about.
Through my placement and the support from KNSTE, I’ve had so many moments that have made me feel like I truly belong in this profession. Whether it’s building relationships with children, delivering lessons, or even just seeing the progress the pupils make, those experiences have reassured me that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. The encouragement and belief from the staff have also played a huge part in that, they see your potential even when you don’t see it yourself.
Now, I feel like I’m in a completely different place. I’m on a roll, I’m really enjoying both the course and my placement, and I feel so much more confident in myself and in my future as a teacher. I’ve grown not just professionally, but personally as well.
I’ve genuinely enjoyed the whole journey so far, and I’m really grateful for how far I’ve come with the support of KNSTE as well as my two mentors from the course and the placement. They’ve not only helped me train to become a teacher, but have helped me believe that I belong in this profession. I’m so excited for what’s ahead and I can’t wait to see what’s to come, as I continue working towards making a positive difference in children’s lives.
G. Guli, KNSTE Trainee, 2025-2026.