Of course, there is nothing wrong with that career, in fact its very rewarding, but his comments had led me to believe that was my only option.
It was only in later life, at the age of 30 that I realised, actually- I could have done more and that my teacher was wrong. That realisation motivated me to study a degree in HR Management, at my local college Coleg Cambria, and now I work for a Telecommunications company as an HR Manager.”
Because of that teacher’s comments 15 years ago, I had to learn about my potential, and discover my options myself.
Volunteering with Future First has now given me the opportunity to talk to children, like me, to tell them what I needed to hear back then. To tell them there are many options.
I was also able to direct my presentation to some of the teachers, to make sure that they don’t make the same mistake my teacher made, by limiting a child’s beliefs and options. I also had the opportunity to talk to the children about my journey, the pathway to university and explained the importance and purpose of a strategic people professional role within an organisation, especially building a resilient workforce with recent global challenges.
I like to think I made a difference to the children I spoke to. Helping them to consider different journeys and make their own choices, whilst understanding how to do that, is so important.
After volunteering with Future First, I’m super excited to do more. I’d like to find out how the children I spoke to are getting on. I hope to get back to the school soon, and plan to speak to more.”