Down Memory Lane

I left Cheetwood 8 years ago and yesterday, I went back and it felt surreal. When I left 8 years ago, I never thought that I'd ever step foot in that place again but I did. 

I was greeted by who I'm sure is Ms Louis (but I couldn't find her on the staff list) with a hug. She registered me in 13 years ago and she's still there now. It's amazing. I remember how I used to mind the phone whenever she had to go out for something during break time. Tina then came and she hasn't changed at all! I felt as if I was the only one who grew up. I entered the hall where we had our assemblies, lunches and P.E. classes in and it looked tiny compared to how I used to remember it. The artwork we did as a class back in Year 4 (or something) were still up on the walls and everything was just how it used to be. Just that they all seemed smaller. At the hall, I met Ms Fleet who is also Morgan's mum (my best friend back in primary). It took her quite awhile to remember me but she did in the end. I passed by Ms Clarke but I don't think she remembers me.The kitchen staff all looked familiar but I found out that Sue (who makes the best biscuits in the world) has retired. 

We then headed to the Nursery. I remembered the days when I was a buddy there. We went around that part of the school and I met Ms Mayer! Honestly, nothing has changed. Felt as if I time travelled back to 8 years ago. I went through to the Phase 2 section where the Year 3-6 classes are. Met Ms Sadiq and Ms Khan, Ms Khan was my teacher in Year 2. Went to my class in Year 5 and memories started flooding in. I still remember where I sat back then. Then went to my Year 4 class and the decals on the windows are still there. It was honestly just amazing. Going around school, there were teachers who said how Tina must've been a very good teacher for me to get to where I am today and I can't deny it, it's very true.

Went to Tina's office which was once Mr Kellet's office and there I found out that I was apparently the first set of students that Tina taught. Caught up with her just talking about her travels (she took a year off to travel) and how it was for me back in Malaysia. Ms Spooner then popped in and it was just really nice seeing her again. She said how when we were about to leave for Malaysia, they were saying how I'd come back here again in the future to study just like my Mum and who would've guessed that it'd come true. I however didn't get to meet Ms Beaumont which I'm pretty sure was because she was out at the pitches. 

But all in all, it was just amazing being able to go back to the place I learnt how to count. I mean, if it wasn't for Cheetwood, I reckon I wouldn't be here right now. Yesterday holds a very special place in my heart. Wanting to go back to Cheetwood was the thing that kept me motivated throughout school, college and university and I now feel as if I've accomplished one thing in life. 

I didn't record anything in school because I didn't feel as if it was appropriate to but I did go around Manchester and took videos of that. The next time I go back, I'll go to the houses that I used to live in, maybe go up to Crumpsall. But that'd be next time. 

I now have to pack for tomorrow morning.