I’ve just been to collect two graded assignments. I’m aiming for a first but I’m always one or two marks off.

I want to become a teacher because I love being with and inspiring children. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I get a buzz from being in the classroom. It’s my destiny.

The most exciting thing that’s happened to me so far was when our PE lesson with university students role-playing children was made into a teaching resource video.

But I’m not really looking forward to my final assignments as I’m a perfectionist. This makes it hard to juggle family and home life and work to the standard I want to.

I can’t believe that teaching has become so prescriptive and some teachers take the national curriculum as the bible over their own creativity. Such an attitude takes away from the joy of teaching. I hope that I won’t fall into that trap.

I’ll know I’m a teacher when... inspire children and make a difference, particularly to those with less ability who need the most help.

I’m nervous about teaching practice and a six-week block of early starts and late nights. Everything gets neglected at home and becomes chaotic.

I would like my new job to be in an early years setting. I like working with the little ones best of all.

The best thing about Sheffield is I was born and bred here and the Peak District is beautiful.

Rachel Parker is studying for a BA in early years education