5 MINUTE Q & A WITH Laura McCarthy & Mr Hicks
When did you leave Archbishop Beck?
I left Archbishop Beck Catholic College in March 2013 which makes me feel very old when I say that!
What have you been doing since that time?
Once I left Archbishop Beck Catholic College Sixth Form, I started my university journey at the University of Liverpool in September 2013 and studied Sociology for three years for which I received a 2:1. During that time, I volunteered at Aintree University Hospital with the Patient Advice and Liaison Team where I helped with general enquiries and assisted patients/visitors/staff find their way around the hospital. I also volunteered with the Merseyside Refugee and Asylum Seeker Pre and Post Natal Support Group.
After my time at university, I did a few jobs here and there to gain some experience before joining The Brain Charity where I was an Information & Advice Assistant. Here I was able to help clients with neurological conditions by supporting them with benefit appeals, accompanying them to tribunal hearings, assisting them with getting back into work etc. I was also an administrator of the Dance Stars! Project which provided a family-focused and paediatric neuro-physio based dance classes for children with various neurological conditions and physical disabilities after receiving funding from the P.H. Holt Foundation.
Sadly, this was not a permanent role, but I felt I was able to achieve a lot of things and build up my self-confidence during my time with them. Following this, I had to look after my mum for a little while due to ill health. Then I joined the NHS in 2019 where since then I have had many various roles, all of which have been eye opening and very challenging especially during the pandemic!
What are your memories of your time at the college?
Unfortunately, I struggled often with health problems and other issues during my time at the college, but I can remember the teachers always being very warm and friendly to me, encouraging me to apply to the universities I wanted to go to. I always enjoyed my time with the school band, playing incredible venues, understanding different music and making lifelong friendships. This was an important time for me as I often felt anxious and alone but with the band, I felt like I could be myself. I still get chills whenever I hear Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack as this was my personal favourite to play.
When you were younger, what did you want to be?
I have always had a passion for reading and writing so I desperately wanted to be an author! While my career has gone down a different path, you can still find me with a head in a book with a house full of journals packed with poems/stories.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My job involves planning, coordinating and administrating MDT meetings for cancer patients. I have to process and develop data on a weekly basis to produce timely and accurate information on cancer waiting times and the patient pathways for the Trust, Commissioners and the Department of Health.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
My advice to my teenage self would always be yourself and never compare yourself to others. I have learnt no one LITERALLY knows what they are doing 100% of the time and just because someone else’s life looks better than yours occasionally does not mean it is behind the social media posts…
What do you hope to achieve in the next 5 years?
I am not sure what I want my future to look like by the time I’m 34/35 (eek!) but I do hope to remain in the NHS and continue to develop my knowledge and skills as joining it has been one of the best things I have ever done.
