EVEN as a young girl, Martina Meehan always knew that she was destined to become a teacher. 

In her childhood bedroom, she set up her very own classroom.

Her pupils were teddies and dolls. She dreamed one day that she would be able to teach real children. 

As the years went on, her dream soon became a reality.  

Looking back on her career of more than 36 years, now retiring vice-principal and P1 teacher, Mrs. Meehan has few regrets about her path.

She has relished seeing countless young people learn and develop; she adored her school, St. Columban's, where she spent her career; and above all else, she has been privileged to be an educator. 

"Teaching was always the job I wanted to do from childhood," said Mrs. Meehan, who is set to officially retire in August.

"Back then I set up my own classroom using dolls and teddies as pupils!

"I pursued this career path through secondary school, and I graduated from St. Mary's, Belfast in July, 1987. 

"I then spent one year subbing before starting my career in St. Columban's on September 1, 1988. Overall, I have spent 36 years there!

"My mentor when I joined St. Columban's was Bernadette Ferguson, an excellent teacher. She had a great influence on me as a teacher."

When asked to sum up her career, Mrs. Meehan said it was both a "privilege and a pleasure".

She added that a particular highlight of my career was when St. Columan's won a distinction award in the category for Outstanding School Team at the Teaching Awards in Belfast in 2010 - a momentous occasion for all involved.

However, the day-to-day joys of teaching have also been a source of much satisfaction for Mrs. Meehan. 

"Truly, the best part of teaching is the enjoyment and satisfaction you get from watching how your pupils learn, progress and grow from entering your classroom in September until they leave you at the end of the school year," she said.

And Mrs. Meehan's love for her profession has had an impact on her family.

Her son has followed in her footsteps and is teaching in Melbourne, while her daughter has her sights set on a PGCE when she finishes her degree study.

"I suppose one of the proudest moments was being a teacher to my own three children and watching them pass through St. Columban's and the excellent education they received there," Mrs. Meehan added. 

"I would like to thank the Board of Governors, staff and parents of St. Columban's for their support, generosity and kindness to me.

"Finally, I would like to thank all my pupils, past and present, for making my job a fulfilling, joyful one."

But what now for Mrs. Meehan upon her well-earned retirement?

"I have no major plans," she revealed. "I just want to enjoy every day, relax and take things as they come.

"I do hope to go away for a holiday in September!"