Ms Drapela (Careers and Sixth Form Administrator)

This Thursday we were welcomed by Michelle Blaauw (née Cantwell, DAHS 1994), Specialist Nurse, who spoke with our sixth form students regarding her academic journey and time on the Nephrology Unit at Great Ormond Street.

Come lunch time, students were invited to attend a Lunch Box Lecture in the careers room to partake in an afternoon of discovery. Many of our students who had an interest in Medicine came together to find out more about career possibilities and what it might be like working in a hospital. Michelle certainly did not disappoint, as she delivered an inspiring lecture about her journey into Paediatric Nursing, looking after children with chronic kidney failure. She also spoke of her time at the formerly known Dame Alice Harpur School, and how impressionable the pastoral care was to her growth. It was a delight to hear of Michelle’s adventure into Nursing, exploring multiple roles, and along the way having accomplished the unexpected, such as having published book chapters and articles, appearing in BBC documentaries, and presenting at International Dialysis Conference and Webinars.

Our students were left with a thoughtful approach to careers, as Michelle prompted those in attendance to think of all the possibilities one might encounter as they make their way into medicine, leaving us with the idea that it is never too early or too late to explore your interests and take hold of your passions. Thank you to Michelle and we hope to invite her back to BGS in the future.