Which years you were at Grainville school. 1986 – 1989
What was your biggest challenge at school.
My mum and dad travelled when I was little, so I joined in the third year when everyone already had their friendship groups, so it was really hard to find my groove. Thankfully some kids that I’d been at St Saviours with before I left the island were there, so we connected again.
What was your greatest achievement at school.
I loved drama, so really enjoyed performing at the school assemblies. I was always allowed out of school to perform at the eisteddfod which I was so grateful for as I did really well. I also represented Grainville at a Public Speaking competition and won – no idea what it was now, but that was a huge achievement.
Favourite lesson/activity.
So predictable but it has to be Drama. Loved it!
Which aspects of Grainville School helped you become the person you are today.
I had to hold my own at Grainville. I wasn’t one of the cool kids, I wasn’t one of the geeky kids, but because I did drama I was a little bit unique! I didn’t fit into any box, so I had to make my own. I bridged all types of students at school which allowed me to figure out if you’re nice to other people then you’ll do OK, and that’s stood me in good stead throughout life. Grainville exposed me to all walks of life. It was a school where kids came from all backgrounds and that undoubtedly helped me to develop empathy to realize that not all of us are created equally. It also made me strong and confident to go for what I want.
Favourite memory of Grainville school.
Gosh this is so hard. The time we all sneaked out early one afternoon to go to a party at Darren Lappins house?! Learning to type with Mrs Daghorn on an old fashioned typewriter – she was so sweet. Biology with Mrs Southern – I loved her classes. Building a cart thing that ran down the handrail from the car park to the school – must have been for woodwork or science or something and my Grandpa helped me build it. I don’t think it even made it all the way down, but I loved it. Bonfire night – always great fun. Cycling in in my duffle coat in rain or shine – god how did I do that every single day?!?!? Mr cousin Louis for French – those classes were brilliant fun. Mrs Skevington as head mistress – she was lovely.
What path did you take and who inspired you along the way to get to where you are today.
I went on to Hautlieu for A levels which I never enjoyed. I really struggled to fit in there, especially with so many of my friends moving there earlier. I wasn’t academic enough and they suggested I do 4 A levels, which was too much for me. I then went on to theatre school in London to follow my dreams. My parents were so supportive, and Grainville were too having let me do all my drama and take time off when I needed to. Didn’t get anywhere, so dad suggested I interview for Trust work (which is what he did too – very successfully) – I got the first job I interviewed for and 30 years later I’m heading up a trust department, flying the flag for women and looking for my next role – which is going to be bigger and better.
Favourite aspects of your job. Coaching, mentoring, empowering my team and others. Getting involved in events on the island that I wouldn’t be exposed to if I wasn’t doing this. Influencing business decisions, adding value to and driving something to be better than it was when I joined. Being able to make a difference to people’s careers.
What advice would you give to students looking at their career options. Be brave and bold and don’t ignore what lights your fire and passion. Explore every option and don’t go for the easy option. You can always change direction later on in life. Nothing is set in stone.