So it’s my final week at work this week. This means I am being asked why we’re going to China. A lot. So, as Tom has already answered this question, it seemed only fair for me to do so as well!
One of the most common reactions to the news that we have decided to move to China is to say how brave we are for doing this. I have to say that that is not a word I would use to describe myself (in spite of being sorted into Gryffindor). I certainly could not have imagined that this is where I would be now when I first moved to Spalding five years ago. I have read Tom’s post so I won’t repeat too much of what has already been said, but it is certainly true to say that I am a different person from who I was when I came to be Head of Department at The Grammar. The thought of going to China would never have occurred to me then. But when you are married to Tom you cannot help but catch his endless enthusiasm for experiencing new places. Our honeymoon to Thailand played a major part in opening my eyes to how amazing it is to explore a culture so different from your own.
However, it was not until last summer that the decision was made. Tom had applied for a job in Singapore with Warhammer. Although, he didn’t get this job, this was the point where I realised that I could do this. And that I actually wanted to do this. The only snag, as Tom has mentioned, was my refusal to teach anything that wasn’t Classics. Luckily, Tom is very stubborn and determined and so managed to solve this problem!
The school I work at is very different to the school Tom works at. Coming from a family of musicians, House Music has always been the part of Kings that stood out in my mind the most. To come from a school where a House music competition did not even exist to one where the sixth formers not only directed but even arranged the music was inspirational. Nevertheless, like many teachers I have begun to feel the pressure. Particularly with trying to work full time as a mother. I suddenly understood why so many of my colleagues with children were part time but still felt that it should be possible to do the job and be a mother. Again, like many other teachers I also have to teach a second subject alongside Classics. The school could not have changed any of this but the thought of being in an educational system which might have a better work-life balance began to be very appealing.
I think it’s fair to say that this has still required a lot of soul searching for me. No matter how much of an adventure living in China will be, it still requires leaving my family behind. I don’t think I can explain how much I will miss them.
I am determined that Hector will still have a good relationship with his family even though we will be halfway around the world. We are lucky enough to live in a time when a regular Skype call can be made as well as planning on making regular trips back to the UK, most importantly to begin with with my sister’s wedding this year! Nevertheless, I do really believe that this is the most fantastic opportunity not just for us but for Hector as well, who among other things will no doubt end up speaking better Mandarin than us (my daily Duolingo continues as those who share an office with me well know but Mandarin is a tricky and elusive language to learn)!
Since having Hector I have also found my passion for running. I never thought that I could have run a marathon but now I break into a cold sweat at the thought of an injury. No sooner had I ran my first marathon than I was considering the next one (Great wall of China). Not only that but I have found a second family with the Halmer Harriers who have been the most important part of my running journey. I only hope that I can find a club as amazing as they are in Hangzhou.
I don’t know how this adventure will end or even how long it will be for. But at the risk of sounding cliched I do know that I don’t want to regret not doing this!
Katy
The Hopkins of Hangzhou 