Your gender, has absolutely no bearing on whether you will survive this aptitude of life or not. In fact, I've seen men cry because snot nosed children called him names. Inner strength comes from your head, not your heart and certainly not your chromosomes. However, that's not to say that genders don't have their advantages and disadvantages.

Take for example, men.

While structurally, their physique may be considered to be an advantage not only in the class room but in the courtyard as well, the man's ability to intimidate his pupils is uncanny. Unless your sire happens to be a Goblin or you're cursed with a minuscule stature.

On the other hand, size and intimidation may work against you in the classroom, particularly if you're graced with a particularly awkward group of students whom may or may not have low self esteem issues and therefore are less likely to respond to burlier men.

But again, men have the added advantage of having strong voices which carry across halls without the necessity of an amplifying charm. A tool which is best utilised when acknowledging poor behaviour or simply ensuring students have 'received the message, loud and clear'.

Women, also have their pros and cons.

On the one hand, women ooze femininity – unless you happen to be born with a mustache, or have the facial features of a werewolf – and are therefore perceived as being motherly or nurturing. Do not fall for this trap. There is never an appropriate or acceptable time to be blowing a students nose, tying their shoelace, cooking them breakfast, buying their lunch, brushing their hair or hugging them. Because once you go there, you've lost them forever. Students do not need a mother, they should already have one. On the off chance that they do not, then it's important to note that YOU cannot fill that void. On the other hand, if you smile enough then at least you won't scare them off or scar them for life. It pays to be 'nice' sometimes.

But again, there are downsides to being a woman in the industry.

Not only do you need to look good to be successful – yes your appearance matters, don't think that it doesn't, but you also need to embrace your own particular style. Don't be someone that you are not, otherwise you will just end up confusing your colleagues, your students and yourself. If pink is not your thing, don't wear it! It'll make you look weak and downright lost. Find your identity and stick to it.

Learn to keep your emotions in check, or better yet, beat it out of your system. Monthly cycles are a major disadvantage to being a woman in the profession. Aside from the jokes and snide comments which accompany the phenomenon, high emotions can lead to irrational decisions. So curb it while you can.