My news...

At the start of this academic year I applied to the extremely competitive and presitigous Fulbright programme; a scheme that enables teachers from the US and Britain to exchange jobs (and lives) for a year.  A rigourous selection process ensued, and I became increasingly baffled but excited as I progressed through each round.  Last Thursday, after weeks of anticipation (and telling anyone who asked that I was sure I wouldn't be chosen), I received an email.  Come July, all being well, I will be off to Colorado for a year. 

It would be fair to say that I am both excited and terrified by this prospect.  Anyone who knows me will know I often have wacky schemes on the boil, which very rarely (if ever) come to fruition.  I honestly didn't believe I would be successful, and the fact that I have to pack up my house and my life, say goodbye to family and friends, and make a new start, both professionally and personally, is overwhelming.  The mounds of paperwork, medical forms, visa requirements... it is sobering to realise that after a lot of hard work to get through selection, the real work is only just beginning.  And that is before I even consider the realities of teaching in a completely new country.

Durango, the small town in South-West Colorado where I've been placed, sounds idyllic.  Described by Lonely Planet as "nothing short of delightful," it's artsy, famous for it's microbreweries and mountain biking trails, and surrounded by mountains and forests and popular with skiers and snowboarders.  You have to pity the poor guy who has to give all that up and come and live in Leicester for a year!

I am trying very hard not to invest too much in this - aware that it could still all fall through - but just to have got this far is an amazing affirmation and achievement.  Wish me luck!