I started Manningtree High School back in 2006 (where has the time gone?!), and I have some really lovely memories from my time there. In Year 8, I became a ‘buddy’ to help the new Year 7 starters settle in, which was a lovely way to get involved.
I've always been a creative person, so Art, Graphics, English and History were definitely my favourite subjects. Mrs Hardy was my form tutor, and I remember her being such a kind and nurturing person. I also loved History with Mr Edwell and English with Mrs Turner. Maths, on the other hand, wasn't quite my thing, but Mr Blake certainly made it easier to get my head around!
One of my favourite memories has to be our Year 9 trip to New York. I felt incredibly lucky that our school gave us the opportunity to experience somewhere so amazing, and it's still something I look back on fondly.
The friendships I made at Manningtree are also something I'll always treasure. Some of those friends are still my closest and dearest friends today, which is pretty special when you think about it!
After leaving Manningtree, I went on to Colchester Sixth Form to study Art, English Language, Art History and Photography. Photography was a huge passion of mine, and I've always loved anything creative. I even started my own fashion and beauty blog, working with brands such as Primark and various others.
Running my blog taught me so much more than I expected. From figuring out how to build and manage a website to developing my copywriting skills and working with businesses, I was learning all sorts of things without really realising just how useful they would be later on.
I wasn't sure whether university was for me, so I decided to get some work experience under my belt first. I had a few roles in law and claims, but something just wasn't quite clicking. I wanted to do something where I could let my creative side loose, and eventually, I found my way into marketing.
I spent 10 years working in a marketing agency, which was brilliant for gaining experience. I worked with all sorts of clients, from nutritionists to construction companies, and got involved in everything from graphic design and social media to website updates and paid advertising. I wore so many different hats in that role, and it gave me a really varied skill set. There was always something new to learn or get stuck into!
One of the loveliest moments was getting to film and photograph Phelan Construction while they were working on the new building at Manningtree High School. Imagine going back to your old school for work! It was a real full-circle moment.
I'm now a Communications and Engagement Officer at Harwich Haven Authority, and honestly, no two days are the same. I can be filming one day, meeting and engaging with stakeholders the next, or climbing aboard some of the biggest ships entering the Haven from a pilot launch vessel. Definitely not something I imagined I'd be doing when I was sitting in the classroom!
One of the things I'm most proud of in my current role is project managing Harwich Haven Authority's first-ever maritime careers festival. I spent months working on the idea and bringing everything together, so seeing it all come to life was such a rewarding feeling. We welcomed local students to discover the different opportunities available across the maritime industry, and it was lovely to know we were helping them see what exciting careers are right here on their doorstep.
Looking back, I didn't have my whole life planned out when I left Manningtree, and I certainly wouldn't have predicted the route I'd take to get where I am today. But my love of all things creative has followed me from school to my blog, through 10 years in marketing and into the role I'm in now.
If I could give one bit of advice to students, it would be not to put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out straight away. Try different things, follow what you enjoy and don't be afraid to change direction if something doesn't feel right. Sometimes the things you do just because you love them can end up opening doors you never even knew were there!