How I got Here: Kirsten O’Connor

I decided at age 7, quite resolutely that I wanted to be a teacher. All my decisions thereafter created the path to a teaching qualification, a first teaching post in London, a promotion and then the biggest decision of all – to apply for a teaching job overseas. In Japan no less. Accepting a job offer at a school in a country I had never visited really was a leap of faith, and understandably a great shock to my parents!

Teaching is my passion. Inspiring children to love learning and be thoughtful and kind is magical. In my 24 years of teaching I have never underestimated the privilege it is to teach children to read and write – both skills they need and use for the rest of their lives. My passion led me from Heathrow to Narita.

I moved to Tokyo for two years. In August 2001. Almost the minute I arrived I fell in love with the city and everything it offers – well perhaps not quite everything but almost! A two year contract turned into five years. Then a promotion to Deputy Headship and another six years flew by. When the opportunity to become Head Teacher presented itself, I grabbed it. Being a Head is the best job in the world – most days! To say it was a challenge would be somewhat of an understatement but seeing the children thrive and happily skip into school each morning made all the newly acquired white hair more than worthwhile.

So why on earth did I leave in July 2018? Well it was time. Time for a new challenge for me and time to meet a need in the community I have seen for many years.  So many families are looking for extra educational support in a range of areas and I am keen to meet those needs.

Setting up QUEST TOKYO has been a steep learning curve so far and I know that will continue. Joining FEW and particularly the FEW Start Up Club over the past 18 months has been invaluable; I have met so many inspiring and supportive women. I hope I can offer something useful back to the community in the months and years to come.