Anna Bembo is the first Avenor teacher who was also a student at our school. We are proud of this moment in her journey and ours, as her story perfectly illustrates Avenor’s vision of nurturing young people who go on to study at some of the world’s most prestigious universities and later return to Romania to help build a future that reflects their values.
We are delighted to welcome Anna as part of the Avenor teaching team, in her role as a Teacher Trainee at the Avenor Nursery in Greenfield. We invite you to discover her journey from student to teacher at Avenor, in her own words.
How did you choose this path, and what made you return to Avenor?
When I went to university, I was convinced that I would follow a career in child psychology or education. I studied Psychology at King’s College London and then pursued a Master’s in Organisational Psychology at the London School of Economics.
However, after spending years in London, the city became overwhelming, and I started to miss home. I reflected a lot on what truly makes me happy and realised that, although my academic path had led me in different directions, my passion for education had remained constant.
Returning to Avenor felt like the natural step – not just because it is the place where I grew up, but because I love this community – the people, the values, and the energy it holds. Here, I feel surrounded by individuals who share my values – dedicated people who understand how essential this stage is in a child’s life.
How does the school look now from the other side of the desk?
It is a profoundly different experience. As a student, you see school from your own perspective, but now I understand how much work, attention, and dedication go into every lesson. Each class is carefully planned, every child is supported individually, and the teaching team is incredibly involved. I am happy to be part of an environment that places such great emphasis on the holistic development of every child.
It is wonderful to be on the other side of the desk and to be part of a team of passionate people who put their hearts into what they do every day. At the same time, it is a huge responsibility because I know how much a teacher can influence a child’s journey.
What does working with Avenor’s youngest students mean to you?
It is an incredibly rewarding yet challenging experience. The nursery years are fundamental in a child’s development – they are the years when confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning begin to take shape.
What I love most is the fact that I can contribute to their growth, helping them build self-confidence and a desire to explore the world around them.
Then, there are those small but essential moments – when a child runs to hug you in the morning, when you see the joy in their eyes because they have achieved something new, or when they share something from their world with you.
This is the magic of teaching. Every day brings something new, whether it’s an achievement that seems small but means the world to a child, or a surprising question that makes me think. It is a profession that challenges, inspires, and fulfils me every day.
Did you have a teacher who inspired you when you were a student?
Yes, and I am grateful to say that I did. I believe each of them has contributed to the person I am today. Teachers like Octavia Paul, Mihaela Ancuța, and Mihaela Stancu have stayed in my heart, not only for the way they taught but also for the kindness, respect, and care they showed us.
They taught me that a teacher is not just an academic mentor but also an emotional support for their students.
What are your aspirations for the future, and how do you think this experience will shape your career path?
At the moment, I see myself staying in early years education because I feel I can make the biggest impact here. Every day, I learn something new – from both the children and my colleagues – and this continuous growth is something I truly value.
In the future, I would love to explore the field of child counselling. My current experience helps me better understand the emotional and behavioural needs of young children, and I believe this will guide me towards my next professional step.
For now, I am enjoying every day at Avenor, surrounded by curious and energetic children, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful community.
