Ref. 28241-33 Name: Nicola Cowling

Age: 27

Employer: Head Start Tuition

So what do you actually do? I own, manage and teach at Head Start Tuition, providing after-school tuition for children aged 4 to 18

What do you hate most about your job and be honest? I love everything about my job, except cleaning the classrooms at the end of every day

Do you think your colleagues like you? Yes - I hope so! We have a great working atmosphere, and the free wine I'm supplying for the Christmas do should help too!

What's the best bit of advice you have ever been given? Believe in yourself, hold your nerve and look confident even if you don't feel it

What's the best bit of gossip you have ever heard about yourself? I was always teased about fancying a certain boy at school and now I'm married to him!

What job did you want to do when you were young and why? In chronological order - to be a fairy, Wonderwoman, a vet and a teacher

If you could have a dream job what would it be? Jonny Wilkinson's personal assistant

Hobbies? I try and relax as much as possible at the weekends - meals with friends and buying lots of clothes

In job terms who or what has been your influence and why? My English lecturers at college inspired me. One of them was Phillip Pullman, who's now a successful author. Most of all though, my family have supported and encouraged me throughout my career