Kiki Jackson

My time at Manningtree High School was a period filled with learning, growth, and great experiences. I have always had a passion for learning, and history quickly became my favourite subject. Mr Kelcher’s lessons captivated my interest and inspired me to dive further into the subject after school. This passion for history has stayed with me throughout my life and has significantly influenced my career path.

During my time at Manningtree, I was actively involved in various school activities such as charities week and volunteering. One of the highlights of my school life was being appointed as Deputy  Head Girl in Year 11. This role allowed me to develop leadership skills, work closely with the school administration and represent the students.

One teacher who left a lasting impression on me was Mrs Smith, my form tutor and science teacher. Mrs Smith was not only an excellent teacher but also a mentor and a source of support throughout my school years. Her dedication to teaching and her genuine care for her students made her my favourite teacher.

Unfortunately, my time at Manningtree High School was cut short due to the pandemic. The abrupt end to my school experience meant that the exams I had worked so hard for were cancelled, and the much-anticipated prom did not take place. Despite these challenges, I remained resilient and adapted to the new circumstances. The pandemic taught me valuable lessons about flexibility, perseverance, and the importance of staying connected with loved ones. After leaving Manningtree High School, I continued my education in sixth form. Although the pandemic posed significant challenges, I managed to enjoy my time in sixth form through online learning. The transition to virtual classes was not easy, but it allowed me to develop self-discipline and time management skills. I am proud to say that I completed sixth form with three A* grades.

My love for history, which developed during my time at Manningtree, played a crucial role in shaping my career. I discovered that I had a talent for constructing arguments and presenting them persuasively. This skill, combined with my passion for history, led me to pursue a career in law. I went on to train as a solicitor apprentice at an international law firm in central London. My career has been both challenging and rewarding, and I attribute much of my success to the foundation laid during my school days at Manningtree. The critical thinking, research, and communication skills I developed in school have been invaluable in my legal career. Being a normal Essex girl with my Essex accent, talking to some of the best lawyers in the country can sometimes give me imposter syndrome. However, it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and the journey that started at Manningtree High School. The transition from a small-town school to prestigious law firms has been surreal, but it also shows that with determination and the right support, such as my support from my teachers at Manningtree, anything is possible!

One of my most memorable moments from Manningtree High School was my last day in Year 11, which coincided with the announcement of the lockdown. Despite the uncertainty and the abrupt end to our school year, my friends and I managed to make the most of our last day together. We shared laughter, took photos, and reminisced about our time at school. It was a bittersweet day, but it highlighted the strong bonds we had formed and the resilience of our school community.

My time at Manningtree High School was instrumental in shaping who I am today. The experiences, relationships, and lessons learned during those years have had a profound impact on my personal and professional life. I am grateful for the opportunities I had and the support I received from teachers and friends. Manningtree High School will always hold a special place in my heart.