I received financial assistance from the school following a change in family financial circumstances and the separation of my parents. It ensured continuity and stability during a time of change and uncertainty. I will always be incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue my education at Stewart’s Melville.
My time at school was thoroughly enjoyable and was shaped by the connections that I made – both in terms of friendships and through the opportunities and advice offered by some passionate and dedicated teachers.
Academically, I enjoyed English and social sciences. This was undoubtedly shaped by the enthusiasm of teachers who made learning fun. John Allan, Richard Cairns and Mark Longmuir were definitely responsible for my decision to study Medieval History at St Andrews University. Not knowing what I wanted to pursue as a career, the advice to study the subject I enjoyed the most, at the best university I could get into, may sound obvious but it was most welcome.
Sport has always been important to me and I am very grateful to the numerous teachers and parent coaches that provided such great opportunities. I thoroughly enjoyed rugby and cricket at school and was honoured to be the First XI cricket captain in my final year. I am a big believer in the importance of sport for physical and mental health, plus the benefit of learning skills such as commitment, teamwork and leadership. Sport is also a great way to meet new people and this was certainly the case at university. I knew some friends from school, but joining the rugby and cricket clubs brought an immediate new friendship circle – many of whom I am still in contact with.
My connection with FP sport continued throughout university and beyond. I played both rugby and cricket for StewMel for many years and remain involved in both clubs, as well as the golf club. Having a shared interest in sport makes it very easy to connect with people of all ages and this was certainly the case when I went on a couple of rugby tours with the “Inverleith Amateur Dramatics Society”.
StewMel rugby links also played a huge role in my professional life. The investment management industry is competitive and I was incredibly fortunate to be introduced to rugby legend, Jim Calder, who was recruiting for a junior role shortly after I left university. Almost 20 years later I continue to work in the industry and remain incredibly grateful to Jim for providing me with my first opportunity.
Since leaving school I have been asked on several occasions what I think the benefits of a private education are. I think smart, driven individuals will excel regardless of which school they attend, but it is the additional opportunities and the network of connections that broaden horizons and open doors. The ESMS community has played, and continues to play an important part in my life and that is unlikely to be the case were it not for receiving the bursary. The school continues to evolve, but historic connections and traditions remain. It is also nice that some of the teachers who taught me are now teaching my sons.
For as long as I can remember I have been contributing a small amount each month to the bursary fund so that others can continue to receive the same support that I benefitted from. In time, it would be nice to be able to increase this contribution but for now, I am giving back through volunteering as a parent coach through both the StewMel Lions mini rugby club and the StewMel Royals cricket club. It is great to see kids from different schools coming together to enjoy sport.
