A Pause for Thought

Non-Fiction

Pages: 44 Ratings:

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At 17 years old, Monica Chapman boldly announced during her teacher training college interview, “I don’t really like children.” Not the most promising start for an aspiring teacher. The stony silence that followed made it all the more surprising when, weeks later, she received an acceptance letter from La Sainte Union in Southampton. Thus began three years of camaraderie and mischief with her partners in crime – Maria, Jane, and Julie – followed by the transition into the real world.

Good fortune led Monica to a long and fulfilling career teaching art in comprehensive schools with diverse and often disadvantaged student populations. Spending 39 years at her second school, she experienced the unique privilege of teaching children whose parents she had once taught. Alongside her work, a lifelong passion for philosophy and world religions instilled in her deep humility, awe, and respect for human resilience.

Eight years into retirement, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. During those uncertain months, Monica kept a journal of her thoughts and reflections on spiritual matters. Now, a distilled version of that journal has been transformed into this book: a collection of inspirational messages and comforting images to return to during both joyful and challenging times.

P.S. Monica not only likes children now – she really loves them and is the proud mother of two of her own.

Monica Chapman taught art for 44 years, 38 of those years in Haling Manor High School, South Croydon. Remaining there for three more years when it became an Academy: She then volunteered at Oasis, Shirley having retired. In 2021 moving to the North East Yorkshire Coast, her students, many of whom had chaotic lives, taught her an immeasurable amount about life and human nature. This led her to pursue writing, as well as art, to reflect on the lessons she learnt. She has two wonderful children of her own. Now living very happily by the sea, where as well as writing, painting, gardening, swimming, walking and spending time with family and friends, volunteering keeps her off the streets!