Viv Walker
Assistant Principal, The Hathaway Academy
Inspired, my parents left Jamaica in response to the call to work in England. They were so brave; they knew nothing about England and what they would face when they got here. ‘No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish!’ Mum shared her fears with us when we were much older, we really would not have known what she had been through when we were much younger, I think I got through most of Secondary school without a full understanding of what they had ‘put up with’, Mum was so protective of us! Dad was so grateful for every opportunity!
They lived humbly and as far under the radar as possible, we three children were going to have a ‘better’ life than they had! It is with great pride that I share that both mum and dad took on three jobs each – their three children were going to school, college and university. And yeah, we all did! J
Inspired and Inspiring; thanks to my Parents and the hardships they endured and, my awesome English teacher, Ms. Welbourne I decided to become an English teacher. So in 1987, I joined a profession where I have had the privilege of continuing to be inspired and the opportunity to inspire numerous others, youngsters and adults, myself.
I am blessed to be able to share that, my contributions have not gone unnoticed;
‘Just wanted to say how much I appreciate everything you have done for me, and all of the support you have given, it doesn’t go unnoticed, and I’ll always remember the little things you do. Thanks. My daughter has also expressed how you’ve supported her and that you give so much warmth and encouragement – thank you for being you’. A Parent, 19th January 2024.
My favourite poems are ‘And Still I Rise’ and ‘Phenomenal Women’ by Maya Angelou.
