Speaking at Belfast Royal Academy was a very special moment for me, not just because I had the privilege of sharing my story with such an attentive audience but because it was also a return to my old school. Walking back through the doors or more accurately rolling, brought a wave of memories and standing at the front of the hall this time, as a speaker rather than a student, felt both humbling and surreal.
What made the day even more powerful was the way the pupils engaged. From start to finish, their focus was incredible and the questions they asked afterwards showed real perception and maturity. These weren’t surface-level questions, they were thoughtful, reflective and showed just how much they had connected with the themes of resilience and perspective.
Being back at BRA reminded me of how important these moments are, not only for me in sharing my journey but in seeing how young people are inspired to think about their own paths.
It’s experiences like this that remind me why I love sharing my story in schools and beyond.
