Sonja Ruuth

Sonja Ruuth aged 26 - NQT RE teacher, Kingsbury High School, Brent.I have always been interested in learning about different religions and cultures. After I finished high school in Finland I wanted to go and experience a foreign culture. Try my own wings I guess! That is why I ended up studying for a degree in Religious Studies in London. After I graduated from university I did not have a clue what I wanted to do. Part of me was thinking of going back to Finland where I could have spent the rest of my young adult life cross-country skiing, drinking vodkas and having saunas. However, I was very settled in London after 4 years and I ended up working at a famous Charles Worthington salon. That was lots of fun with a beautiful salon, famous clients and glamorous staff-parties. Although, after a few years I felt like I was going nowhere with my life. I did like my job, don't get me wrong, but it was not demanding enough. I felt that I needed to do something more! Get closer to the life's ultimate questions maybe! I had dreams about becoming a teacher but I was not 100% comfortable doing it in a foreign country and not using my mother tongue. But, after I spoke to a friend, who is a teacher herself, she really encouraged me to apply. Another friend of mine at the time was just finishing her PGCE and she also wanted me to have a go. I did not really know what teaching would involve but I was convinced that London would be the place to train. Obviously, I have a lot of respect for the education system in Finland, but I felt that to get the most out of teaching RE, London as an exciting and diverse capital would be my place. It seems to be that I have made the right decision. I am very much enjoying teaching in London schools and the city offers so much for students and teachers, both at school and at university. Maybe one day I will find some answers to my ultimate questions when teaching others…. or maybe just more questions!