Sarah Roskilly CO92

Escaping the ordinary

As Truro School continued the transition to full co-education in the 1990s, Sarah Roskilly CO92 joined the Sixth Form. “It was such an honour following in the footsteps of my father, Reg Cann, and grandfather, William (Bill) Harris, as they had both attended the school. I consider it a great privilege to be part of such a great institution and I really did enjoy my time at Truro School.”

After leaving Truro School in 1992, Sarah became a cattle auctioneer, and since then she has tried a variety of occupations, including working in a slaughterhouse, owning a riding centre and being a teaching assistant. She explains “I’ve considered many career paths; in fact, I’m still not certain I have settled upon what I want to do!” Asked if she has any advice to offer others: “do something that you are really interested in and enjoy.”

Some would say Sarah is currently enjoying an idyllic career path: she is a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Master Scuba Diver Trainer, living and working on the beautiful island of Bonaire, in the Caribbean.

Sarah originally moved to Bonaire in 2018 with the intention of staying for one year. Three years later she is still living on the island and enjoying her time working for the largest dive company on the island, Dive Friends Bonaire. In her role as a Scuba Diver Trainer, Sarah juggles teaching people to dive with managing the schedule for 50 staff, five boats and eight locations. Sarah explains, “I only learnt to dive at the age of 42, so it just proves that you can do anything if you are determined!”

Sarah is also an FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) Steward for horse show jumping, which has enabled her to travel the world. “With my FEI stewarding career, I was lucky enough to be invited to the Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil in 2016, and in 2018 I went to the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA.”

Sarah’s daughter, Jessica, attended Truro School Prep for three years before the family moved to live in Portugal in 2006. Jessica is now 22 and works as a teacher, specialising in children with special needs, near Southampton, UK.

Sarah still has family in Truro but, in the last 15 years, has only returned to the UK on a handful of occasions. However, she still remains in contact with a few friends from her days at Truro School.

As well as teaching diving skills, Sarah still enjoys it as a recreational pastime too, as well as travelling, reading and kite surfing. Asked about plans for the future? “Like many of us, simply to make it safely through the Covid-19 crisis.” But who knows what might be next on the horizon for this adventurous Old Truronian - we look forward to keeping in touch with Sarah to find out!