5 Minute Q & A with Sarah Hanson & Mr Hicks

“Be more adventurous!” Sarah Hanson 2021

When did you leave Archbishop Beck Catholic College?

At the end of Year 13 2011.

What does your job entail?

I am the Outreach Hub lead at Shaping Futures, a team which aims to support young people from under-represented backgrounds to make informed choices about their future education and support them to access Higher Education. As well as providing support directly to schools in accessing available outreach provision, I work with strategic partners such as the Civil Service, NHS, and Bauer Media to deliver innovative events and projects for young people in our region

What do you value in people?

Curiosity and an open mind.

What barriers and challenges have you overcome during lockdown?

Workwise, I would usually run a couple of events a week, so the pilot to online delivery has been a challenge. It’s also been tough not being able to see friends or family other than over Zoom.

What has been a highlight of your career to date?

Being invited to take part in the NEON Innovation ‘Improving Access for White Students from Lower Socio-economic Backgrounds’ project. After working with these students in Liverpool for the previous two years it was great to see the issue being tackled nationally, and the launch, hosted by Baron Watson of Invergowrie, at the Palace of Westminster wasn’t too shabby either!

What are you most proud of in your career?

Every time I hear from a student, I’ve supported about how they have achieved their aspirations and are thriving in their next steps; those are all very proud moments.

What do you like most about your occupation?

I love getting to work with lots of different people, and the fact that every single day is different. A typical week can include everything from attending strategic meetings, to working 1-2-1 with students to running around managing an event.

What are your memories of your time at Archbishop Beck?

I was part of the Concert Band for all 7 years I was at Archbishop Beck and all of my favourite memories are related to band! From touring Europe to performing in gorgeous venues like St Georges Hall, and having a really good time throughout. Being part of band also taught me a lot about resilience and teamwork.

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Be more adventurous! You’ll only regret what you don’t do.

What is your favourite film?

Hallowe’en Town and all of the sequels.

What is your favourite song?

I Think I’m Okay – Machine Gun Kelly, YUNGBLUD and Travis Barker. It reminds me of being at festivals with my best mates!

What is your favourite book?

2001: A Space Odyssey. I’ve recently been awarded a scholarship place on a Data Science postgraduate course at Birkbeck, University of London, so I’ve been reading a lot of sci fi around artificial intelligence and machine learning and this is my favourite so far.