25 March 2024
1. Can you tell us your name and one interesting fact about yourself?
My name is Leah and an interesting fact about myself is that I can play the flute and piano. I also love to exercise regularly and spend time outdoors!
2. What year did you graduate from Llanishen High School?
I graduated from Llanishen High in 2019.
3. What subjects did you study or were you particularly interested in while you were with us?
For GCSE, my optional subjects were French, Art and History. For A-Level, I studied English Literature, Maths and French. I enjoyed most subjects at school but I think English was always my favourite.
4. What are you doing now, and can you tell us how you got to this point?
I think what I’m doing now definitely shows that I’ve always had a bit of a two-sided brain, with a passion for the Humanities/Arts and Maths. I studied English at the University of Exeter straight after my A-Levels and completed my degree after 3 years. I’m now in my second year of studying Chiropractic (MChiro) at the University of South Wales, where I will graduate as a Chiropractor in 2027! I came across the Chiropractic profession just before I started my third year in English as my Mum and sister were having regular treatments. I then experienced my own chiropractic treatment and fell in love with it. I’ve also been working part-time at a pharmacy for nearly 3 years alongside studying.
5. Did you always know this was something you wanted to pursue? If not, what other options were you considering?
Not at all! Before I experienced chiropractic care, I didn’t even fully know what a chiropractor was or did. When I was in Exeter, I considered a career in Law, but after research and networking, I realised that it didn’t interest me enough. I also looked at a career in Journalism, but again, after some exploration, I realised that I didn’t have the passion I needed to pursue that either.
6. Looking back, what advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Keep working hard but don’t put too much pressure on yourself, especially during exam periods. The workload can be a lot at times, perhaps even more so at A-Level, which is why it’s so important to remind yourself that you’re doing well! When you’re revising hard, be kind and treat yourself because you deserve it! Getting the balance right between hard work and restful rewards is key.
7. What advice would you give to students today thinking about their future?
If you’re not sure about what you want to do yet, don’t worry! I went through the whole of school, and most of university, not knowing what I wanted to do. If you’re unsure at this stage, then it’s completely normal. My number one piece of advice would be if in doubt, just keep doing whatever it is that you enjoy. I’m a firm believer that if you have a passion for (or even just like) a subject or career path, then that’s the direction you should follow. Things will fall into place at the right time for you. There are so many careers out there that you’re not even aware of but you’ll encounter them in your future – and you can’t always plan for this! I hope that I’m an example showing that there is no so-called “perfect” career pathway post-school. Subjects at school/university and careers don’t always match up either.
Also, sometimes your interests change along the way so there’s no need to think too far ahead. I was never a fan of Science at school and now I’m training to be a registered healthcare professional! Take time to research and consider your options and keep them open if you’re undecided. Importantly, always follow the pathway that you genuinely enjoy and are interested in because that’s what will ultimately make you happy and it’s where you’ll find your success!
If you’d like more information about our alumni network or would like to get involved, please complete the form on our alumni page and a member of staff will come back to you.