Janet Hughes
Janet Huges
1 Who are you? I am Janet Hughes, a history lecturer at the College of West Anglia. I began my route back into higher education through the access course run by the college. I followed the Access programme on to a BA (hons) programme and then completed my
I am Janet Hughes, a history lecturer at the College of West Anglia. I began my route back into higher education through the access course run by the college. I followed the Access programme on to a BA (hons) programme and then completed my post-graduate certificate in education before becoming a teacher. This route was exhausting, at times I really wanted to quit, however, it was an amazing journey of self-discovery, independence of thought, and an experience which I wish everyone could have the opportunity to partake in. It takes an enormous amount of courage and energy to take on the addition of education, with family and work commitments, but it really is worth it. Learning is the essence of life and it really is never too late to begin.
2 What do you do?
My official title is lecturer in modern history. My students include AS and A2, Routes to Learning, Access and degree students.
3 Why would people know you?
Via the class room.
4 On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest) how do your rate your sense of humour?
About five. I am easy going but not necessarily always funny - people normally laugh at me more than with me.
5 What was your last text message you sent or received?
My sister sent me a text saying Gordon Brown has resigned, could you please be our new Prime Minister? You want to make the world a better place, now is your chance.
6 Give us at least five pet hates.
Racism, bullying, unfairness, inequality and people who do not see the good in people.
7 Is it time for Britain to abolish the Royal Family?
As a historian, with both left and right ideologies, I believe that the only justification for not having a Royal Family would be on the grounds of equality and encouraging the demise of a hierarchical structure in Britain. However, the Royal Family is not the only institution to promulgate this and from a tourist point of view it is extremely valuable to our economy both locally and nationally.
8 Are you looking forward to the smoking ban in pubs and why?
No, although a non-smoker I actually like the atmosphere of pubs and I believe that we all have a choice as to where we go. I do appreciate that working in a very smoky atmosphere is not necessarily good for people's health and on this grounds understand why the legislation has been instigated.
9 What is your favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe, and why?
My jeans - I am a jeans girl.
10 Where is the capital of the Fens and why?
As a woman born and bred in North Norfolk, the Fens is a long way from home! Seriously, I really can not answer this question. I love Ely. Is Ely in the Fens?
11 Which TV programme sends you to the off button?
12 If you had £1,000 to blow what you would do with it?
Having just had a car accident everything aches, it would be lovely to be spoilt with massages and oils and lovely food.
13 What football result do you look for first and why?
Only my sons' football results are important.
14 Name a town or country you would never want to return to, and your reasons.
Auschwitz, in Poland. I visited Auschwitz in March and although this will go down as my most memorable experience, it was so very traumatising that I would never re-visit Auschwitz again. I would re-visit Poland as the people were lovely and genuine.
15 Who would you most like to sit next to on an aeroplane and why?
George Bush or George Clooney. George Bush, because I really want to understand his motives for his war on terror. George Clooney because as well as being a humanitarian he looks lovely too, and has intelligence and good looks; neither of which George Bush has.
16 Who would you cross the road to avoid?
Robert Mugabe, because he represents everything that I do not believe in.
17 What is the worst job you have ever had to do?
Empty a cesspit, for a whole week, for escaping from a guide camp.
18 Who was your childhood hero and why?
Kelly from Charlie's Angels, because she was beautiful, clever and had a glamorous job.
19 If you weren't doing your current job, what else might you have chosen?
I genuinely love teaching, but I also love design. But if I could do anything I would like to be Bob Geldof, Bono or George Clooney as they want to save the world.
20 Your claim to fame.
21 What's your biggest regret in life?
This sounds really kitsch but I do not regret anything, because if I did I may have changed the course of the events of my life and I like where I am right now, with my family, friends and work. Regrets, I have had a few, but too few to mention.