Former Head Girl Emily Reid came back to St Mary's to give an illuminating talk to students about her experiences at Oxford University and in her gap year, as part of the school's extra-curricular ‘More Than Just a Talk' series.
Emily described how, after leaving the Sixth Form, she had studied Geography at Regent's Park College, Oxford. Emily made the most of her time at university, packing in a lot more besides her studies. As well as rowing and playing netball for her college, she took part in table tennis club and other college choirs. As part of the choir, she went on five tours, including to Gibraltar and Slovenia.
After university, Emily decided to take a gap year, as she wanted to travel and experience a different culture. Using a gap year travel company to help arrange her trip, she went to Thailand for five months. This involved two months' team teaching at a tiny village primary school in Northern Thailand. This was followed by a building project, which was a stark contrast hefting building materials in the 40 degree heat! Emily then took a diving course, gaining her PADI scuba diving qualification and finally took time for some independent travel around Southern Thailand.
Post- her gap year, Emily worked for a research consultancy, but decided life in the capital was not for her and is now enrolled on a primary teaching course at Cambridge University.
Emily had really enjoyed university life and recommended taking a gap year, but said that it was really up to the individual student as to whether they wanted the experience or not.
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