My day at Bright World starts with a cup of coffee. Usually a strong one, as I know the day ahead is going to be busy! After saying hello and exchanging "how are you's" with everyone I get settled at my desk.
Ive usually got an inbox full of interesting messages, from students, parents, agents, and schools. Some are fun to read, but most are things for me to to, so I get stuck in. I ping off replies left, right and centre, and find that hours can go by, while I've got my head down concentrating on the next task. I'm preparing for a big half term holiday and I've got lots to organise!
Lunchtime creeps up on me, and I go for a walk to get some fresh air. The small village where the Bright World office is based is beautiful and I enjoy strolling through the lush green fields.
But it's nice to get back to work after my walk. I feel focussed and ready to go again!
More emails are waiting to greet me, and the phone lines are always busy too. I love the calls from parents, ringing us for a quick catch up about their son or daughter. Its so nice to get to know the parents of our students. I'm also in contact with the Bright World Local Co-ordinators or 'Buddy's' throughout the day too, and they send me questions and messages from the students and teachers.
I've got host families to organise this afternoon - there's a lot of excitement, as the new school year means new students for our host families, and I need to try and make sure that I match them up well. After all, we can't have a student with fur allergies staying in a house where they have a resident cat! It's like doing a big jigsaw puzzle, making sure the pieces fit perfectly together.
The day-to-day questions keep rolling in too. I go through the easy ones, and if there are any difficult queries I'll ask Fiona Walters, Director of Guardianships, to guide me through what I need to do.
It's time for another coffee. Perhaps a biscuits too - one of those scrummy double chocolate ones that Lana bought for everyone when she went to London for the Study World Conference.
Half term confirmations and transfer details sent, I can relax a little now, and go back over everything to make sure I haven't missed any important details. I've been making plans for the half term for weeks, and it's finally done! Once, twice, three times checked, and sometimes more! We all help each other out in the office and go through all our student plans. It's good to work as part of a team, we are a great support network for each other.
Home-time now, to rest and curl up in front of the TV with my dog! It's been a long and busy day, but I've loved every minute. I'll be back again tomorrow - see you then!
