M

I have been a fulltime senior secondary teacher for 35 years. In my teaching career I taught excellent students, badly behaved students, and as well, challenging student. I was very proactive with my teaching and this exposed me to people from all walks of life. As my teaching career has basically come to an end, although I still enjoy some casual work, I believe I can transfer my skills to helping older people. I do have empathy and believe that I will be able to share my experiences with them and understand their feelings. I also know that communication is an important skill and believe I would be able to verbally and non-verbally meet their needs. I looked after my next door neighbour for 15 years by supporting her domestically, doing her garden and most importantly being a companion for her. I did this until she moved to a nursing home at the age of 86. Similarly, I took care of an elderly lady in our church. I transported her to church every Sunday, took her to hospital and as well, provided her with company for in excess of three years. I have been an active member of my church, I served on the Parish Council for three years, have been cleaning the church for over 20 years and have been counting money for the Parish for over 15 years. My current goal and ambition is to be able to work with older people and I believe that it will be enjoyable for me. I am a very active person. I enjoy walking, being fit, meeting people and I also have a great interest in good nutrition. I am a positive person. I have great patience and good values. My teaching career was an extremely successful one. I believe I have much to offer to our elder citizens.