Maggi is an author of children's books as well as being a part time tutor for the WEA.
Maggi says: “I was previously a secondary school teacher, but after the births of two children in quite quick succession I had lost direction and self-confidence. I needed to do something more. Becoming involved with the WEA was a revelation. This was the kind of education I'd always wanted to be involved with – where the tutor is an enabler, someone there to guide and open doors for the hungry learner.”
Maggi started tutoring a ‘Women and Writing’ group in her own right. She had previously been a student of the group herself! She continued to teach, taking creative writing to the young and unemployed as well as running creative writing courses in prisons.
Maggi says:
“It is very rewarding watching participants, many of whom have not flourished at school, waking up to their own creative abilities. I also love the whole student-centred ethos of the WEA. That it is about the individual learning and growing, both within the subject area being developed, and perhaps most importantly, within themselves as a person. What's more, that growth and advancement does not need to be measured by exams and tests, as in more formal education settings - and is all the more valuable for that.”
Maggi values the classes that she took as a student of the WEA, as the spark that motivated her to write as well as the experience of being part of a group. Maggi says: “It boosted my self-esteem and confidence and the WEA ethos and approach allowed me to grow. Had I never gone along to that first session, I doubt that I would have started writing, I would never have realized that hidden talent. I am now a full time professional writer.”
Her work includes four poetry collections and three novels for children: the Seriously Sassy series, published by Puffin and translated into other languages. She has also co-written a play for BBC Radio 4, held several Arts Council Fellowships as well as a Royal Literary Fund Fellowship, and has won numerous awards.
Maggi describes her achievements since joining the WEA: “I was appointed the first Makar of the City of Stirling in 500 years. Stirling is where I first attended that WEA class that was to change the course of my life. Being involved with the WEA as a student, tutor and branch secretary had a huge impact on me, and I will always be grateful for that.”