My time at Greenwich was so special. It taught me about dedication, commitment, diligence, and application. My tutors really brought out the very best in me and that, in my opinion, is what successful education is all about.
Memories of Greenwich
Greenwich was one of the few universities that offered Business Studies as a degree, with a one-year placement in industry. I wasn’t that studious before going to university but one of the admission directors saw potential in me during a telephone interview and offered me a place.
I remember fondly the people who I met while at university. There are no friendships like those from your university days. You realise that more and more as you go through life and appreciate them even more. I'd also like to thank my tutor, Tony Bysouth, who really got me to believe in myself and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
It was also at Greenwich that I would meet my future husband. He was working at the university’s Kings Hill Business Centre in Kent. I was asked by the university to take part in the first cohort of their Master’s Degree in Marketing, and my husband (also a student of Greenwich), happened to be working there too. We have a son, Alex, who is one of our proudest achievements. No matter how engaging work can be, it is no substitute for passing our own personal legacy on to the future.
Life after Greenwich
Since 2006 I have worked as the Executive Director of Education at the Jane Goodall Institute. I feel very blessed to be working with one of the world’s most prominent scientists and indeed a figurehead of hope for many people across the globe. It is wonderful to be involved with someone who inspires millions of people, and indeed, projects that play such an important part in the preservation of our planet and the future of the next generation. I get to spend a lot of time working with young people who are so dedicated to preserving our precious planet. It really is a wonder and a joy, and a refreshing change to dealing with the more hierarchical aspects of board structures, Government politics/administrations and education policy.
Looking to the future, I am confident in the ability of young people to help solve the climate crisis as well as thriving despite the pandemic. Despite its many challenges, the pandemic has created more opportunities in certain sectors such as technology, education and conservation. We’ve never been busier here at JGI, so there is plenty of reason to be optimistic. And if you’re thinking about whether to accept your offer to come to university, I would encourage anyone to go to university. My beloved Aunty Carmen always said to me; “You must go to university. You’ll never regret it.” She was absolutely right, I never did.
