Laura Zialor

My Graduate Story

My name is Laura Zialor, and I graduated from the University of Birmingham with PGCE Advanced in Primary Education.

I'm currently working as a supply teacher through two agencies: Zest Education and Hays. This gives me the flexibility to continue pursuing my career as a full-time Great Britain athlete in the high jump.

This role allows me to stay connected to my passion for education and working with young people, while also prioritising my training and competition schedule as I aim to medal at major international championships. It's a unique balance, but one that reflects the dual commitment I've made to both my professional development and my athletic ambitions.

A Day in my Life

A typical day as a supply teacher starts early. I usually receive my assignment either the evening before or early in the morning, and once I arrive at the school, I'm responsible for delivering pre-planned lessons, managing the classroom, and supporting students in their learning for the day. Since every school is different, adaptability and strong communication are key.

One of the major benefits of being a supply teacher is the flexibility it offers. I'm able to leave at the end of the school day, which means I can head straight to training in the afternoon. My training as a full-time GB athlete is intense and structured, so this flexibility is vital. On heavy training days, whether it's a double session or a high-intensity block, I make myself unavailable for teaching, which helps me stay physically and mentally prepared to perform at my best.

This balance allows me to stay committed to both my professional and athletic goals, and I'm really grateful to be in a position where I can pursue both with purpose.

My Journey

After graduating from Birmingham, I applied for a PGCE to gain my teaching qualification, which felt like a natural next step given my passion for working with young people. Once qualified, I registered with supply agencies, which made it easy to find flexible teaching work that fit around my training and competition schedule. The process was fairly straightforward, and being based in the UK, I didn't have any visa considerations to navigate.

My Birmingham Experience

The support I received from the University of Birmingham was incredible. The staff and support services, were so understanding and genuinely invested in helping me succeed both academically and athletically.

In 2022, I qualified for three major international championships - the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the World Championships in Oregon, and the European Championships. Balancing my teacher training with elite-level competition meant I had to be away for long periods of time, especially during the summer. Up until that point, I had managed to juggle everything, but as the competition schedule intensified, continuing my studies at the same pace just wasn't possible.

The university was incredibly supportive during this time. They granted me a leave from my studies and my school-based work experience, making the process as smooth as possible and giving me the confidence that I could return to finish my degree the following academic year. It wasn't easy balancing a demanding PGCE programme with full-time training and international travel, but their flexibility and support made a huge difference.

This experience reinforces that truly anything is possible when you're committed, passionate, and willing to put the work in. I'm proud of how I managed to stay focused on both my education and my sport, and I'm grateful to the university for helping me make it all work, as I am now a proudly qualified teacher from the University of Birmingham as well as a GB athlete.

Birmingham's Impact

The support I received from the University of Birmingham was incredible. The staff and support services, were so understanding and genuinely invested in helping me succeed both academically and athletically.

In 2022, I qualified for three major international championships, the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the World Championships in Oregon, and the European Championships. Balancing my teacher training with elite-level competition meant I had to be away for long periods of time, especially during the summer. Up until that point, I had managed to juggle everything, but as the competition schedule intensified, continuing my studies at the same pace just wasn't possible.

The university was incredibly supportive during this time. They granted me a leave from my studies and my school-based work experience, making the process as smooth as possible and giving me the confidence that I could return to finish my degree the following academic year. It wasn't easy balancing a demanding PGCE programme with full-time training and international travel, but their flexibility and support made a huge difference.

This experience reinforces that truly anything is possible when you're committed, passionate, and willing to put the work in. I'm proud of how I managed to stay focused on both my education and my sport, and I'm grateful to the university for helping me make it all work, as I am now a proudly qualified teacher from the University of Birmingham as well as a GB athlete.

My Achievements

One of my biggest achievements during my course was graduating with a First Class degree. It meant so much to me because throughout my earlier education, I'd often missed out on top grades by just one mark. That feeling stuck with me, and I made it my mission to leave university with the highest grade possible. I knew those near-misses weren't failures, they were stepping stones that fuelled my determination to succeed when it mattered most.

What made this achievement even more special was the fact that I cemented myself as a world-class high jumper during the same period. I remember sitting an exam while abroad for a competition - it was a 24-hour assessment that I started on a bus, continued on a plane, and finished at home. It wasn't easy, but where there's a will, there's always a way. And I actually did really well on that exam, too.

On top of that, while completing my teaching degree, I qualified for all three major international championships in 2022. Balancing the demands of elite sport, academic deadlines, and school placements pushed me to my limits at time but it also taught me how to stay focused under pressure. Looking back, it was a year of growth, grit, and proving to myself that I was capable of anything.

I have so many more goals to achieve - goals that I know will one day outweigh even my proudest moments so far. I can't wait to see them come to fruition.

Advice for Students

My top tip is to trust your journey's emphasis is on you. It's so easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, especially after graduation when everyone seems to be moving in different directions. But the truth is, everyone's path looks different, and that's exactly how it should be. Don't feel pressured to follow a certain route just because others are; focus on what aligns with your goals, values, and passions.

Be open to opportunities and stay flexible, sometimes the job or role that gives you the most growth isn't the one you originally envisioned. Also, if you're balancing multiple commitments, like sport and study, time management and communication are everything. Let people know what you need and don't be afraid to ask for support - there's more help available than you might realise.

Lastly, back yourself. If you want something badly enough, you can absolutely achieve it. It might not be easy, but it'll be worth it. Nothing truly worth having comes easy - if it did, everyone would be doing it. So go be extraordinary, live unapologetically, and create the life you want.