Meg Villaplana-Nuckley

Meg Villaplana-Nuckley is one of the first cohort of students on our BEd (Hons) Primary Education with QTS in Chelmsford, training to become a primary school teacher. Meet Meg.

Did you always know that you would go to university and, if not, what changed your mind?

I didn’t decide to go to university straight away when I left sixth form as I wanted to take some time to get to know what my passions and career aspirations were. I explored many career paths and eventually decided that becoming a teacher was the best thing for me!

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I think children are incredibly inspirational. They teach us to be resilient, brave, to learn from our mistakes, and that everyday life really can be magical. It’s what you make of it! I think teachers are incredibly privileged to be such a big part of a child’s life and I feel so excited to one day make lots of children’s experience of school as amazing as it can be.

Why did you choose to study at ARU?

I had heard loads of amazing things from friends and family about ARU, so I decided to go to an Open Day. I was totally blown away by everyone and everything on that day! The facilities and resources available here at ARU are unmatched by most nearby universities, in my opinion.

What do you hope to do when you graduate?

I am training to become a primary school teacher, but more specifically, I’d like to specialise in teaching students who have English as an additional language (EAL). EAL learners have a very special place in my heart because I was one, once upon a time, when I moved from Spain to the UK at nine years old.

What's the most valuable thing you will take away from your course so far?

That everybody deserves a fair chance at education. To me this means that no child gets left behind, regardless of the challenges a child might face, they are worthy of having a teacher that believes in them and is willing to give them the best start to their education.

Which aspects of your course have most helped your career development, and why?

This course has been incredible to develop my professional identity. If becoming a teacher is what you want, this course will teach you everything you need to know – from how children learn to even small things like how to capture pupil data on a spreadsheet, it really leaves no stone left unturned!

What piece of advice would you give to other student teachers?

I was given this piece of advice when I started this course and so far it has not let me down, which is to say yes to everything. Never let a single opportunity pass you buy and try everything.

What is your favourite thing about studying in Chelmsford, and what have you learned about it that other people might not know?

I absolutely love the Chelmsford campus. It feels modern, clean and welcoming. One thing I didn’t know about it before I started is that every Tuesday we have therapy dogs in the main building, which really is such a welcome treat after a long lecture!

What projects are you currently working on, both on and off the course?

We are currently working on our Trimester 2 assignments, which are both really interesting and will definitely be so useful going into our placement.