Olivia Gregory

What did you study at University?

BSc Neuroscience at The University of Manchester

Can you tell us a bit about your job role now and your career progression please?

I am a Medical Writer at Havas Lynx Group, a creative healthcare communications agency based in Manchester. I joined their graduate scheme in August 2021 after searching for a role that would allow me to combine my passion for healthcare with a creative flair, and so far it has been the perfect fit!

We can see you were an Activities Leader & Pastoral Support Staff at Rossall, what was involved in this?

During the COVID-19 pandemic many international students were unable to fly home for the school holidays, so Rossall developed a program of activities over the Christmas and Easter breaks. Here I took on the role of activities leader and pastoral support staff member – working alongside a team of activities staff members, we put on events to bring the school holiday fun to students during a difficult time.

You seem to have a strong connection to Rossall in terms of supporting the school fundraising and the support roles that you have held since leaving, what is it that encourages you to continue to cultivate that relationship with the school?

I have felt a strong connection to the school since leaving, through spending time working there in between my University studies and now having family members who attend the school. Going back to visit now feels like home and like I never left!

What is the most important thing that Rossall taught you?

The greatest things happen outside of your comfort zone.

What were your first impressions of the school?

As a small 11-year-old… Big!

What would you say to any student who is considering studying at Rossall?

Rossall provides far more than a typical school experience – you will leave with a network of friends from all over the World and an endless list of stories that you’ll be telling your grandchildren!

Tell us about your experience as Deputy School Captain.

It was an honour to be Deputy School Captain during my final year at Rossall – I had the opportunity to connect with Old Rossallians, attend events and finish my time as a student there with the highly anticipated prize day speech.

Outside of the classroom, did you take part in any other activities?

I was part of the girls hockey first team amongst being involved in other sports, including netball and athletics. Despite having never picked up a hockey stick until my first day at Rossall, the memories I made both on and off the astroturf taught me life-long lessons that couldn’t be learned in a classroom.

How did Rossall help prepare you for University?

Having a dedicated University and careers advisor to speak to was invaluable in the process of applying and preparing for University – I was incredibly uncertain when it came to planning the road I wanted to go down after Rossall, but the patience and guidance of teachers and Sixth Form staff was very reassuring (even when I had a completely new career plan every other week!).

You also participated in the telephone appeal for the Rossall Foundation, can you tell us a bit about your experience with that?

It was great to reach out to other Old Rossallians on the telephone campaign in 2018 – many of them shared fond memories of their time at Rossall and it was lovely to hear them reminisce.

How would you sum up your time at Rossall in one word?

Unforgettable.