Weekly guest speakers including Former Pupils help S5 pupils navigate future choices

Former pupils Tom Walker and Suzanne McMahon, both from the Class of 2000, came in to talk about their careers in medicine and their journeys to becoming surgeons. They spoke openly about the challenges prospective medics would face as well as providing valuable advice in regard to the application process and the training for those who are successful.

In addition, Tom and Suzanne also spoke about their work in supporting various medical charities and the opportunities that might exist for our pupils volunteering in the future.

Another Former Pupil, Dawn McCafferty, who is now a Partner with Digby Brown, gave up her Friday afternoon to talk to the pupils about what it takes to study law and what career options there are upon graduation. Dawn gave us some insight into her impressive career journey and spoke to pupils about the highs and lows of embarking on a career as a solicitor.

Current Lomond School parent, Mrs Seonaid Biagioni came in and spoke to pupils about her work with the charity, The Little Wings Foundation, which performs paediatric surgery and other medical procedures in some of the toughest parts of the world: Gaza, Somalia, Syria.

She spoke with real passion and depth about the individuals and lives the charity has managed to affect. Both pupils and staff were all moved by her insight, devotion and sense of calling and many of the pupils asked searching questions at the end.

Head of S5 and S6, Mrs Nicki McKenzie said: ‘It’s incredibly important that our pupils are provided with as much information and insight into the different options open to them in regard not only to future career choices but also to the different pathways to that career that may exist. We are extremely fortunate that we have a Former Pupil community who are more than happy to come back to Lomond and share their experiences and offer advice. Our parent community are equally as supportive and were particularly involved in our recent careers fair. These weekly talks are invaluable for our pupils and we are very appreciative of everyone giving up their time.’

The series of talks will continue after the October break and we look forward to welcoming more speakers including Former Pupils.