Public Services Lecturer
Rowan has always harboured a passion for teaching. From a young age, they knew that they wanted to inspire and educate others.
“Most people give the kind of answers of wanting to be a ballerina or an astronaut when they’re three or four years old, but I shocked my teachers by telling them that I wanted to teach. Some didn’t take me seriously, being that young, but I maintained what I wanted to do right the way through.”
And, Rowan’s first step towards making that dream a reality was undertaking a law degree at university. It was clear from their second year that they wanted to take those positive experiences that they’d had, being around great role models, and bring that forward into being that person for other students. So, Rowan decided to complete a PGCE in 2020 at City College Plymouth and that’s where they’ve been for the past four years.
Rowan specialises in equality, diversity, inclusion and the UK legal systems in their teaching at the College, allowing them to pass on their knowledge on subjects that they’re extremely passionate about – and, hopes to instil the same passion in their students. In November 2023, Rowan made the decision to change their new name – a change that was met with overwhelming support from the College community.
Rowan shares, “My experience at the College, while embracing my identity, has been so much better than I could have ever expected. I was really nervous to broach the subject for a number of years – I never felt like I was in the right place to do so.
“It took an awful lot of confidence to want to do it, but once I took that leap of faith, it became really easy. The College has let me be open about my identity and who I am, and I’ve received a lot of love and praise as part of that.”
Rowan is actively involved in the College’s EEDI (Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) committee. The group emphasises the importance of creating an inclusive environment that extends beyond events like Pride month, advocating for a constant and visible presence of inclusivity.
“The College has made great strides to be more inclusive and to determine what that looks like in education. There have been a lot of changes and more on the horizon to make sure students and staff know that this is an inclusive and safe environment to be in.”