Inspiring Talk for our Lower 5 Students

Freemen’s Alumni Talk on Growing Up, Careers, and Advice for Lower 5 Girls  

A recent talk at Freemen’s School featured a panel of former students who returned to speak with Lower 5 girls about their experiences growing up as girls and navigating the workplace. This inspiring session gave the younger students a valuable opportunity to hear directly from women who shared both the positive aspects of their journeys and, naturally, the challenges they’ve faced and reflected on as women. 

The panelists shared personal stories about their upbringing, offering perspectives on what it was like to grow up as a girl in today’s world, balancing societal expectations with their own aspirations. They also spoke about their experiences entering the workplace as women, touching on the opportunities and challenges they encountered, and how they overcame gender-related obstacles in their careers. 

One of the highlights of the talk was the impressive achievements of the panelists in their careers.  

Lorna McKellar (2014) is currently working on her PhD in marine ecosystem management at the University of Bangor. She shared the perseverance and dedication required to complete her PhD while balancing the pressures of being a woman in academia.  

Libby Wells (2014), who works in policy at the Home Office focusing on organised crime, spoke about her unique experience working in a young offenders' prison and tackling issues like knife crime.  

Natalia King (2020), who studied BSc Management at the University of Bath, talked about her four years there with a placement at Unilever as an account manager, followed by a solo seven-month journey through South-East Asia. 

In addition to their career experiences, the panelists discussed the impact of social media on young girls today. They highlighted the pressures of comparison and how easy it is to fall into the trap of measuring oneself against others online. The panelists stressed the importance of setting realistic expectations and not defining personal success based on what is seen on social media. They encouraged the Lower 5 students to focus on their own personal growth, reminding them that everyone’s journey is unique and should not be compared to curated online images. 

The discussion also included valuable advice for the younger girls. The panelists encouraged students to embrace their strengths, be confident in their abilities, and not be discouraged by any obstacles they may face because of their gender. They emphasised the importance of pursuing passions, speaking up for oneself, and building a strong, supportive network. 

The session was both informative and motivating, leaving the Lower 5 girls with important insights on how to navigate their future academic and professional paths with confidence and resilience. The event highlighted the significance of mentorship, shared experiences, and the power of women supporting one another.