Fiona Burns

- Joint honour's degree in Religion and History from St Mary's University, Twickenham;I have been brought up in a Catholic family and attended Mass regularly, and so my faith has always been very important to me. I also attended a primary and secondary catholic school in N. Ireland where I studied Religion to A level. I decided to continue studying Religion to degree level at St Mary's in Twickenham following advice from my Religious Studies teacher at my secondary school. Whilst at St Mary's I have been strongly involved with the chaplaincy team, being Eucharistic minister at Mass and going on the annual retreat organized by the chaplaincy. I have also been very involved in helping in all fundraising events at St Mary's towards supporting children's charities and raising money for children to go on the Easter pilgrimage to Lourdes. In the Summer 06 I attended a special needs camp in Boston and it was this experience which confirmed my decision to become a teacher, as I realized how much I would enjoy working and helping children as they develop. I have also had the privilege of being elected Students' Union President of St. Mary's for the academic year 2007/08. This role involved running the Students Union for a year, line managing and leading a team of 6. I representing all student concerns at all university meeting and as a student governor I attended the University Board of Governors meetings. Furthermore I had to organize all student events and activities for the students, catering for all student needs throughout the year. It was a very rewarding experience and I loved helping and providing for all the students at St Mary's. The experience certainly strengthened my character and further encouraged my ambition to become a teacher. I have a love for religious education and I hope to impart my knowledge to children helping them grow and develop