This month our My Story candidate is our very own receptionist Aine Pyne, here is her story.

1. Tell me a little about where you grew up and what it was like.

I come from a family of five, six if you're including our cat Garfield. I grew up in County Clare, a county in the west of Ireland. I spent the first 12 years of my life in a small village called Ennistymon and my family moved to the town of Ennis when I was 12. Growing up in my family was always full of baking, fun, love, sport, music and games. Thanks to my parents, I was lucky to throw my hand at every type of sport going as well as musical instruments as a child. The exposure to all the sport while growing up has engraved a love of many sports within me, especially our native sport Gaelic football. It's always nice to pick up some medals along the way!

2. Why did you choose the career you have worked in?

I am a qualified primary school teacher. I adore my job. I teach children ranging from the ages of 4-12. I feel an immense amount of satisfaction and pride when a child succeeds in an area they find challenging. Teaching is an honour, I get to inspire and encourage future generations to believe that anything is possible. I love making lessons as fun as possible. Learning should be done in a fun, exciting way. I also get to, sing and show off my impressive dance moves with my class on a daily basis! I love the innocent honestly that each child possesses, I always leave work with a smile on my face. Essentially I chose teaching as I love being around children and enjoy seeing their progress overtime. I teach with a hope that each child who enters my classroom door will leave feeling loved, happy and will look forward to coming to school the next day.

3. What was it about NZ that attracted you?

I have always wanted to travel. I had heard of the friendliness of Kiwis on countless occasions. A friend of mine moved here a few years ago and instantly fell in love with New Zealand and it's surfing, laidback lifestyle. I decided to check it out for myself and so far so good - I've also been infected with the NZ bug!

4. How have you found living and working in NZ?

I love the laidback, friendly and welcoming nature of Kiwis. My first experience of this was the moment I set foot in the country. Our bus driver in Christchurch collected us from the airport and drove us to our accommodation. Throughout the journey and even when we had reached our destination, he welcomed us more than once to the country, informed us of all the hot spots and went on his merry way with a friendly smile. This warm, hospitable welcoming can be seen throughout all of NZ. I am in a different line of work here in NZ. Like I've already mentioned, I am a primary school teacher at home, In NZ I decided to embark in a change of scenery. I'm enjoying the new chapter in my work life and am always learning something new. Everyday's a school day!

5. Can you tell me a little about your experience with Alpha, and how we have been involved in your journey?

I got a taste of life and the role of a receptionist thanks to Alpha. I love the busy buzz of each day, where you're always meeting a new face, helping out a candidate on the phone among other tasks. A big shout out to the magnificent cheese lover that is Sophie for being so incredible while training me for my role!