I REMEMBER being at school when the only person who would visit about their work would be a police officer and, respectfully, we were told primarily about the rights and wrongs but not about joining the force. Thankfully, here at least, we are given a lot more information and good career advice.
YESTERDAY, I had the pleasure of visiting and speaking at another school at the start of its Careers Week. Two role models and I did individual 20 minutes each round-robin sessions in classes. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as did we all. You will recall that I had spoken at a Careers Week at a nearby school earlier in the year.
IT WAS AND IS SO ENLIGHTENING to hear the children ask questions about what I do and astutely assessing my answers before asking the next. I was twice asked whether I was involved with coffee, as in ‘barista!’ Again, the wig and gown got the biggest cheers and reactions. I wanted the class to see that being a barrister or a judge was achievable for all if that is a path they chose to take – these professions were not out of reach. One pupil made me laugh even more. He wore the wig and gown and, acting as the judge, started passing sentences on his friends – well, I think they were up until that point! 😂 He sentenced a fellow pupil to 3 years imprisonment without hearing any evidence. I whispered that his sentence would, therefore, be subject to an appeal. Rather than concede and shy away, he boldly and confidently increased it to life! “How dare you appeal my decision,” he may have thought. Brilliant! 👍🏽
BUT, THE ONE THAT PROBABLY TOUCHED ME THE MOST – amongst all that were special – was when I asked the children in my last class what they wanted to be. All, as with the other classes, added a wide range of professions and jobs. But, one child in particular said he wanted to be a footballer and if he didn’t make it, he wanted to be a doctor or another professional. Immediately, I thought, “Wow! That was me when I was his age.” I could hear a 10 year old me using those precise words. I then told the class that I once had ambitions to be a footballer. I made it ABSOLUTELY clear, however, that having that ambition (as many had precisely that) was not and is not incompatible with working hard and doing their schoolwork.
FINALLY, I was asked by a pupil who said she wanted to become a lawyer whether it was hard to become a barrister. I replied no! But you have to be hardworking. As with them all, I hope she fulfils her dream(s)!
“I cannot thank you enough for your support yesterday. Both the children and staff found your talk incredibly informative and entertaining. You are welcome to come back anytime.”
Pleasure was and is all mine.
Thank you M.D. for the invite! 🙏🏽
Inspire! Aspire! Achieve!
Copyright © Ryan Clement 2024
Ryan Clement 