What Brogan did next...

from Cross Keys Old Peterite Magazine 2021

My journey began when I was introduced to a former Peterite’s father (Dr Chan) whilst on my Year 10 work experience placement. At that time, I attended a local state school where the prospect of pupils taking A-Levels, let alone attending university, was very uncommon. I always had my heart set on being the first person within my family to attend university and undertake a degree, however, this always seemed out of reach.

Dr Chan talked to me about the idea of attending St Peter’s, he explained and showed me the opportunities that a private school had to offer, opportunities I never knew existed. When I explained, my family simply did not have the income to support a private education, he introduced me to Mrs Bland, the Admissions Officer for St Peter’s. Following a visit to the school I sat the entrance exams and was overwhelmed when I was offered a scholarship and bursary to enable me to join the school as a boarder for Sixth Form.

Making the move to a new school was the bravest thing I’ve ever done. Although excited, I was apprehensive and nervous that I wasn’t going to fit in. Luckily, I had two incredible sets of house parents over the years; The Mallard’s and The Gillies’, who instantly made me feel like I was part of their extended family. Just like my own parents, they pushed me to do my best, cheered the loudest when I received awards and supported me through the emotional rollercoaster of exam seasons. The Rise was my home and I was humbled to be given the role of Head of House during my Upper Sixth Year. My name on the board in The Rise is something I am extremely proud of.

I worked hard at St Peters and achieved fantastic A level results. I moved to study at Loughborough University and in 2018 graduated with a BA Hons (DIS) in Architectural Engineering and Design Management. Something I would never have achieved without the support I received at St. Peter’s, and ultimately the people who donate to the 627 society. The Society which supports bursaries for students, who deserve the opportunity to access a higher standard of education to enable them to reach their goals. I was one of those lucky students. There is no amount of thank-yous I could say to express how grateful I am for the opportunity to study at St Peter’s. It changed my life.

I now work for one of the UK’s main construction contractors as a Lead Design Manager. Over the past three years I have worked on projects for clients such as Proctor and Gamble, London Barnet Council, and in more recent times, the NHS. I also was nominated last year to lead the company’s charity project where I managed the refurbishment of the Webber Street Homeless Shelter situated next to Waterloo Station.

My career within the construction industry primarily began with my love of design and technology which I discovered whilst at St Peter’s. A love nurtured by Mr Whitehouse and the DT department. Today, the designs that I create, and review are on a much larger scale in comparison to the polypropylene dog lamp I created during my time at school.

Last year, the Government asked millions of people to stay at home to help save lives and protect the NHS as the coronavirus spread rapidly across the UK. The construction industry has played a critical role in responding to the crisis and in the recovery. In March 2020 I was managing the design team at Kings College Hospital for their pipework upgrade which supplied oxygen to additional wards, creating new intensive care bed space for the influx of Covid-19 patients.

However, I could not have done this if I hadn't attended St Peter’s. As well as making life-long friends and a multitude of amazing memories, I learned new skills which will stay with me forever. I discovered independence from boarding which made the move to University and then onto London that little bit easier. Leadership came from being head of house, a skill which now makes leading a design team seem like a walk in the park in comparison to organising a posse of girls at the house singing event. Ultimately, through drama I gained confidence and how to use my voice by participating in school productions. Confidence that I use every day as I am the only female in a team full of men. Currently women account for only 10% of the construction industry workforce so I want to be a role model for the women engineers of the future and ultimately for all those students for whom private education is only a pipedream. You can do it, there are opportunities and schemes available to help you. The St Peter’s 627 Society is one of them and to them I will be forever grateful.

This article is from:

Cross Keys Old Peterite Magazine 2021