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Putting the Master’s discretionary fund to good use…

I used to think that saying I worked in Learning and Development for Ann Summers was a fairly good chat up line, but apparently so is saying that I study Physiotherapy and have a qualification in Sports Massage……

GCSE science was never my strong point so to consider studying it for A level was out of the question; I tended towards more hands-on pastimes like ‘building stuff’ in technology or ‘colouring in’ in geography….

In fact I ultimately left university with a BSc in Product Design and went on to work for an Engineering Consultancy (Mott MacDonald) before departing for Africa as a pioneer in the development of The Haileybury Youth Trust in Uganda. This is where I realised that I just wasn’t designed to sit at a desk all day. I really enjoyed interacting with people, the constant challenge of having problems to solve, and I relished any opportunity to be ‘hands on’. For a short while I subsequently became involved in managing road-building projects for the UN in Sudan. However, upon deciding to return to England when the political situation deteriorated and having identified my real interests, I began to wonder what on earth I was going to do with the rest of my life. Thus began a time of deep soul-searching whilst keeping financially solvent at the above-mentioned ‘Ann Summers’.

Once again, Haileybury stepped in to help with a variety of support that was generously offered from past students, OH parents and staff. One particular conversation stays with me. As we sipped a cup of tea together, one past-parent observed  that I clearly needed to find a career that I would not only be proud to be doing, but also one in which I could utilise all my diverse skills. He was so right. This is only one example of the thoughtfulness and sincere kindness that I was given in so many valuable ways that will never be forgotten.

So, I took the plunge and decided to retrain as a Physiotherapist. The reality that I was going back to being a “tax-dodging”, poor student came second to understanding that firstly I had to complete a course in Human Biology! I then came to realise that studying science at school does not solely lead to a career in medicine….. Though ‘building stuff’ and ‘colouring-in’ still appeal to me, I have proved that they can mix with science!

So here I am: a second year physiotherapy student at Brunel University, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Representative, Erasmus Norway Exchange student and already qualified in Sports Massage. Aside from my studies, I am a 2^nd Lieutenant with the Combined Cadet Force for both Christ’s Hospital School and Merchant Taylor’s and a keen triathlete and rower.

A couple of years ago I was invited to be a committee member of The Haileybury Society. I did wonder why; initially thinking it was about lowering the average age of the committee, and my sex! That may be so, but I now appreciate that having gained so much from Haileybury, both as a student and OH, that this  is now my opportunity to repay the care and support from which I have benefitted all these years. Helen Goddard (Alb&C98)

Originally Written: 01-Apr-2015 13:15, Last Updated: 01-Apr-2015 14:22