I’m privileged to teach Digital Media, together with Maths, English and the ICT element of other vocational courses, to students who are mainly autistic but can also have other differences like ADHD or dyslexia. The digital revolution has been transformational for students like mine, in liberating their creative talents through their computing skills, and it’s amazing and thrilling to see them develop abilities and expertise in things they can do, rather than being defined by the things they’ve been told they can’t do. Would that their life chances and expectations had also been transformed but it remains the case that only some 15% of people with autism are in long term, sustainable employment. I’m determined to try to do what I can to change that, and it has given an added dimension and direction to my latest career. Before becoming a teacher, I spent some 30 years in the City as an investment banker until the 2008 financial crash lead to my retiring, as the business evaporated of the advisory boutique I had formed with some friends and ex-colleagues. Finding that retirement didn’t really suit me, I took a Christmas job with Marks and Spencer which lead to around 8 years in retail. Thinking long and hard about what I most wanted to do, I decided it was teaching and started off by volunteering two days a week at Croydon College. I loved it and found that I was good at teaching and the College gave me a full time job as part unqualified teacher and part learning support assistant. After qualifying, I landed my present job at City and Islington College.To every job I’ve had, I’ve brought hard work, commitment, enthusiasm, energy and high motivation. I can be a leader or a team member as required and I’m very good with people, able to get on with all levels and roles within an organisation. To my aim of making a difference for my students, I will bring determination, optimism, persistence and resilience, as well as a good sense of humour – personality traits also essential in a supporter of Carlisle United FC since the age of five!