Wollaston School Alumnus of the Month

Please tell us a little about yourself – where do you work and how did you get into this role?
I am currently a Trainee Vascular Scientist on the Scientist Training Programme (STP) in the NHS. This involves working full time in a hospital using ultrasound to scan arteries and veins for various disorders and diseases as well as completing a part time Masters in Clinical Science.

At A Level I did Biology, Maths, PE and Psychology and went on to achieve a 1st in BSc Sports, Exercise and Health Science at the University of Birmingham. I then took a year out of studying and worked at a school as a graduate netball coach before applying to the STP. I started this in September 2023 and have been training at the Royal Derby Hosptial since then.

What are some of your proudest achievements since leaving Wollaston School?

• Graduating from university
• Volunteering at the Womens Euros 2022 and the Commonwealth Games 2022
• Gaining a place on the STP
• Winning the league with my football team for the first time

What advice would you give someone looking to follow a similar career path?

You do not have to do medicine at a top university to be involved in the healthcare service, there are many different routes and if you have the work ethic you will get to where you want to be.

Try and do something you enjoy, the happier you are, the better you will be. Doing something you enjoy for work/university is easier and makes life more enjoyable.

Listen to your teachers and the support staff at school. They know what they are talking about as they have been where you are in life. They are always there to listen and can offer many words of wisdom along the way. I originally wasn’t planning on going to university and without advice from many persuading me to go I would not be where I am today.

How have your experiences at Wollaston School contributed to your life and successes since leaving school?

Last year I worked at a school as a netball coach and my time as part of various sports teams at the school helped to facilitate this. Also, during sixth form I used to help out during PE lessons and this helped me to understand further and practice coaching to develop these skills. Not only did playing in sports help me in this job but the teamwork, confidence and communication skills I built as a part of these teams have helped me in loads of different situations throughout my university and career so far.

My grades allowed me to go to university which have further allowed me to go onto this training programme to give me a career that I enjoy.

What House were you in at Wollaston School and can you describe one of your fondest memories?

I was a part of Austen house whilst at Wollaston School and I used to love sports days every year, in the sunshine, all of the school outside cheering each other on. Even if you didn’t know them you would be cheering on your house and aiming to beat everyone else.