People of Nobel Algarve: Xana Jackson-White

Xana Jackson-White is part of the Admissions Team at Nobel Algarve British International School, with experience of working with both the UK and Portuguese curriculums. She grew up in both countries at different parts of her life and loves feeling part of both places. She is a proud mum of a young son and daughter, and is very passionate about ensuring they also feel the same way!

 

Where did you grow up, and what was it like there?

I grew up in England, but also locally in the Algarve. I was lucky to experience both places and love them both equally for different reasons. Both places are full of happy memories of being surrounded by family and friends.

 

What’s a tradition your family had while growing up that you still cherish?

Christmas Day is a very traditional affair in our family and we keep that up to this day! We all sit in bed together and open small presents together - we’re up to 4 generations and we still do this every year.

 

What’s your all-time favourite book, movie, or TV show?

I absolutely love reading and wish I still did more of it, but when I was a child, I was always found with a book in my hand. My all time favourite book is The Hobbit, because I remember reading it with my Dad, or the poem Wynken, Blynken and Nod, for the same reason - I now read it with my children.

 

What’s a favourite memory from your childhood?

Playing chess with my Granddad! He taught me to play when I was very young and would never let me win. I finally won when I was about 13 and it’s still one of my proudest achievements, because I knew I truly deserved to.

 

How did you become interested in working in education? 

I absolutely love art and museums and all things History! I wanted to work with young people to inspire the same excitement and studied to support them in museum settings - I went to London to get some experience in schools and have never looked back since.

 

Tell us about your greatest achievement.

This is a hard question! I’m proud of lots of things I’ve achieved, but I’m particularly proud of the way I’m raising my two children to be kind, strong, caring and to feel loved.

 

What is your steepest learning curve?

Sometimes I’ve given too much of myself when it wasn’t needed.

 

How do you remain curious?

I’m curious about everything, especially after having my little ones! Seeing the world through their eyes have given me a new look on things.

 

What motivates you to keep going during challenging times?

My parents, my husband and my children. I’m very lucky to have grown up in a very close-knit family and we’re always together, through good times and the bad.

 

Who is someone in your life who has had a significant influence on who you are today?

My Granddad! He was my hero, and I continue to try and make him proud every day.

 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My Grandma told me once to always do what’s best for you and your family, and she couldn’t be more right.

 

Nobel Algarve is a great place because…

Of so many things, but for me, I’m particularly proud of the multinational and multicultural environment. I think it’s so important for young people to have a global perspective and respect others, and Nobel Algarve works hard to showcase this.

 

What would you like the community of Nobel to know about you?

That I’ll always do my best to help!

 

What’s something you hope to accomplish in the next five years?

To buy a forever home and make it the best place for my family to thrive.