Amanda's pictured slightly sceptical face is almost as familiar to me now as her smiling one. Six months ago, however, I didn't know either and had never actually met Amanda at all. We first made each other's acquaintance by email when I joined the AJET National Council in February as the new Block 8 Representative. Amanda held a position on last year's council and had also nominated to Chair the next council. In fact, I had initially put my name up in competition with Amanda for the position of Chair, but then opted for a role closer to home - a fortunate choice, for Amanda duly won her election!

Before I had time to blink, Amanda and I were working together to write a report on JET Programme contracts to present to an upcoming meeting with government officials. The first three months of our relationship was entirely based on emails! We finally met in person in May, having already found a sound working wavelength, and have since been through a hectic few months together as members of the new AJET team. It's been a rewarding experience, not least for getting to meet some great people. Just 23 years old, Amanda deals with her role as Chair with grace, energy and commitment, and though she wouldn't take the credit for it, it's easy to see how AJET has flourished over the past year thanks to her work. I've got piles of respect, admiration and time for people like Amanda, and I'm blessed that she has time for people like me, too. It was a good thing that I didn't run for Chair. Very good indeed. :)