Country: United Kingdom Role: Schools Assistant

Most people would call me crazy for travelling all the way across the world from my Australian summer, kangaroos and Vegemite to one of the coldest winters in England since 1979. But then again, being a little crazy isn’t such a bad thing here at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts!

My fellow Lattitude volunteer and I started the year at Tring Park as two crazy foreigners: a Canadian and an Aussie, breaking the trend of our many Kiwi predecessors. It meant 2011 marked a year of change, a year without the ‘Geps’ but instead the ‘Gap’ volunteers. As students and staff began to get to know us, and after the novelty of our ‘hilarious’ accents wore off, we were able to establish separate identities from those who had come before us.

I have been heavily involved throughout the school, being responsible for innovative ideas in the boarding houses and classrooms as well as running many different activities with students of all ages. I have helped escort students on trips and weekend activities like bowling, rock climbing, caving and ice skating, many of which I was able to arrange and manage myself. I have been dazzled and amazed by the talent displayed at the school through my work in the vocational, academic, and pastoral departments. All the shows, school cups and assessments have been fantastic, and I can’t wait to see what else there is to offer in the small time I have left.

It has been the experience of a lifetime, and I have already learnt so much. The things I have already accomplished, and the many things that are to come in the remaining months, will be some of my fondest memories. These past months have passed ever so quickly and before we know it, it will be time to say goodbye to the many new friends and family we have made. It has been a pleasure working here and I thank Lattitude for giving me this fantastic opportunity!

Submitted by: Ben Vella

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