Even though we are over half way through 2020, we had so many wonderful new teachers join our whanau this year, that the 'new' staff profiles just keep on coming. Today we say 'welcome back' to ex-student and PE and Health teacher Julia Hodgson.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born in Nelson and have attended all the local schools from Nayland Kindergarten, Nayland Primary, Broadgreen and Nayland College.

Where else have you lived besides Nelson?

After leaving Nayland, I lived and studied in Christchurch for 4 years. I also spent 2019 there teaching at Christchurch Girls’ High School. Prior to that, I taught at Nelson College for Girls and also spent two years teaching in Helensburgh in Scotland and travelling Europe.

Why did you decide to be a teacher – and what drew towards becoming a PE teacher specifically?

Coming to the end of my school years, I had no idea what I wanted to do once I finished my time at Nayland College as a student. I was involved in a number of sports and loved PE & Health. From there, I was fortunate to be offered a scholarship for the University of Canterbury to complete a Bachelor of Education. The main thing that got me into it, was my amazing teachers at Nayland who inspired me to contribute to the lives of NZ youth the same way they had done for me. It has opened up some incredible opportunities all around the world.

What do you like about teaching, and teaching at Nayland specifically?

Both sides of my family attended Nayland College so it was really special to have the opportunity to come back here and contribute to the school in a different capacity. The staff are incredible, the students are all unique in their own way and the culture of the school allows students to flourish in whatever their passions are.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Keeping active, spending time at the beach and with family and friends, and I’ve recently started pottery.

What is one book everyone should read?

The Slight Edge is an amazing book that really highlights how it’s the 1% decisions you make over time that are the difference in succeeding.

What were you like as a student at school?

I would like to say very well-behaved! I often missed a lot of class due to different sports tournaments, and Mr Ikink would often have to give me detentions for being late!

Question from Missy (last interviewee...) What is the most interesting thing you have done in your life so far?

Being brave enough to accept a one way ticket to the other side of the world to teach in a country where I knew no-one!

Give me one question to ask the next teacher we profile…

If you could share one piece of wisdom with the student’s of Nayland College what would it be?