"Schools have a lot to do ..."

The Educating Yorkshire event was the one that I was proper fangirling over. So I couldn't believe that I'd managed to be such a dingbat and forget to book it...

 

But I did still make it. Eventually. And I'm so glad I did!

 

I remember watching the documentary on Musharaf's journey and being so moved by it. (And anyone will tell you, I have a heart of stone, so that's not an easy task.)

 

But I was equally impressed about the teaching staff themselves. You really have to care about people to be a teacher, not just care about your subject.

 

Teachers have a lot to do, but this is for a reason. It's about young people's future. And I'm glad that some teachers will go that extra mile to make sure that every student's voice gets heard.

 

And also, I definitely think everyone should have a Mr Burton in their lives.

That would be fabulous.

 

 

Jenni Brooks

Arty goodness, with free champagne

Well, you know it’s been a good auction when there’s a bit of a bidding war…

I honestly thought that the gavel was going to get whiplash, what with the amount of offers going on.

There are a lot of fantastic artists at DMU (including my sister and her arty comrades), and I am super proud to have gone, to raise money for their degree show.

I even managed to get some arty goodness to brighten up my halls!

And one of the best parts was the complimentary champagne. You definitely can’t go wrong with free champagne.

My sister and her arty pals.

 Jenni Brooks

"No-one is transgender in a vacuum"

One of the most inspiring messages from Paris Lee's talk today was that if you are part of something bigger than yourself, it gives your life more meaning.

This is true, not just for the LGBT community, but for all other minority groups. "No one is transgender in a vacuum," and no one should feel alone. But no matter how much negativity the world gives you, you can kill it with positivity and understanding. Let's kill the world with kindness, people!

I am so privileged to have heard Paris Lee talk today; I think that if more people fought for not only their own identity, but for the identity of those around them, the world would be a much better place.

Jenni Brooks

and ... Sold! To the lady in the van Gogh leggings

So the Fine Art auction is coming (on Monday evening) and it's going to be swell.

I'm very excited because my sister is part of it. She's a 3rd-year Fine Art student and I know for a fact that she and her arty comrades do FABULOUS arty stuff.

The  auction will be in the presence of ... wait for it ... Christian Furr. Christian is the youngest ever official portraitist of the Queen and he's also a DMU alumnus.

So book your place for Monday, 29th February, before you're too late.


Jenni Brooks