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PrimaryEnglish

GBBO’s Nadiya Hussain – “‘Ignore the Bullies and They’ll Go Away’ Has Never Worked For Me”

Bake Off favourite and author Nadiya Hussain was a successful student – but not always a happy one…

Nadiya Hussain
by Nadiya Hussain
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I vividly remember my first day at nursery: I was totally and utterly hysterical, sobbing and kicking the teacher’s shins while she tried to manhandle me through the door (education professionals were more tactile back then – I don’t suppose she’d be allowed to do that today!).

I was a mess of tears and snot; but the teachers and my parents were 100% aligned in their attitude, which was, essentially, ‘Just get on with it’. When you’re one of six children, that’s what you have to do.

Bright, and bullied

And so I did ‘just get on with it’. In fact, once I’d calmed down, I found education the easiest part of growing up. I was that annoying person who never revised for a test, yet always scored 10 out of 10. It didn’t feel like an effort – it came naturally.

I recall one particular occasion at primary school when as a class we were shown a word and asked where the apostrophe should go. There were two options, and everyone in the room put their hand up for what I knew was the wrong answer.

I was the only person who picked the correct one, and I still remember the feeling when our teacher confirmed it. She applauded me, and my chest swelled; I’d stuck to what I knew was right, even though everyone else was saying something different, and I’d been rewarded. It felt amazing.

But of course, that sort of thing didn’t make me very popular with my classmates. I was horrifically bullied all the way through primary school – partly because I was so able, but also because I was very keen on rules, and had no qualms about pointing out to others when they were doing something wrong.

The school didn’t help much – I’m pleased things are starting to change for children, and that staff and parents are so much more aware now.

The one time I plucked up the courage to tell a teacher what was happening, I was told, “Ignore them, and they’ll go away”, which wasn’t true then, and isn’t true now.

I’m on Twitter, and I get abuse every single day. The advice is always not to engage – but I wouldn’t ignore someone saying things like that in real life, so I’m not about to let it slide on social media, either.

The power of conviction

Moving to secondary school was quite a change, not least because it was all girls. I found it really odd at first, but I was delighted to be away from those bullying boys.

For a brief while, I thought I was free – but I learnt quite quickly that girls can be just as unpleasant if they think you aren’t exactly like they are.

Still, I made friends, found my confidence, and continued to do well. I wasn’t so keen on maths, but I loved English, which I took at A level, and I particularly enjoyed food studies and child development at GCSE.

Of all my teachers, Mrs Marshall – food studies – sticks with me most. She was a phenomenal woman, with the most energy of anyone I’ve ever known. She was so enthusiastic about what she was teaching, and she made us love it, too.

I met her again after Bake Off, and she confessed to me that not only had she always hated baking, she didn’t even like cooking! I was completely shocked – but when I thought about it, I realised that just confirmed what an exceptional teacher she must have been.

She made us believe that she was good at something, and that we could be good at it as well. I think she could have walked into any classroom and convinced the kids to love the subject being taught; that’s what great teachers do.

A chance to create

I won a poetry competition when I was seven, and since then I’ve always scribbled down thoughts, ideas, fragments of verse. When I got my first part-time job I took a notebook with me and wrote poems during my breaks. I’ve always enjoyed reading, and creating – it’s something that constantly bubbles away inside me.

But growing up in a very traditional setup, as I did, I was always met with barriers when it came to following my creativity in any professional way.

I do believe the stars sometimes align, though, and I am so very lucky that they have aligned for me. Of all the writing I do, I have the most fun with my children’s books. I get to make stories, and create recipes, and involve my kids – the three things I love the most!

Nadia Hussain is a former winner of The Great British Bake Off, and an author. Her latest book, Bake Me a Festive Story is out now (£14.99, Hodder).

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