"As teachers we are privileged to be a part of a child's life."
That is the view of Jamie Trumper, who, 15 years on from a degree at the University of Worcester, is continuing to shape the lives of the next generation.
The 39-year-old says he had always wanted to teach because he wanted to enable children to be the best they could be and to support and guide them to realise their potential.
A local headteacher suggested Worcester to Jamie, who was quickly convinced and signed up to the three-year Primary Initial Teacher Education (Early Years) degree.
"It had an outstanding historic reputation as a teaching college and I felt that it was a nurturing, caring and supportive environment, with inspirational lecturers," he said.
He was advised to complete a foundation degree, which he did at Worcester Sixth Form and to retook his English and Maths GCSE.
"I really enjoyed the course," said Jamie. "I had the opportunity to learn from excellent lecturers, who taught me the theory behind teaching and provided opportunities to explore teaching through planning and delivering sessions. The balance between being on placement and being in the classroom felt just right.
"I felt that the course enabled me to identify and develop my teaching style. It provided me with a clear foundation in understanding child development and learning approaches. This in turn supported me in developing the well-rounded teacher that I am today.
"I also think the nurturing and caring ethos of the University was in line with my own beliefs and values and made the whole experience very valuable and enjoyable."
After graduating in 2003, Jamie has gone on to teach in Herefordshire, Derbyshire, Birmingham and Worcestershire. He now lives in Worcester and currently teaches Year 2 and Reception at Powick CE School.
Alongside this, he teaches Science to each age group and is involved in support for Pupil Premium children and Special Educational Needs children. He continues to have close links with the University in his role as Lead Mentor, an intermediary between the school and students on placement to ensure they have a successful experience.
Jamie is now deciding whether he wants to pursue a leadership role, take on a specialist teaching role, such as in Special Educational Needs, or become a child psychotherapist alongside his teaching.
But his love of the profession remains as strong as ever.
"It is a magical and unique profession," he added. "You are shaping the next generation. You are guiding children in their knowledge, understanding of the world around them. You are developing their skills to interact with others and allowing them to explore who they are through experiences in a subject format. As teachers we are privileged to be a part of a child's life."