This week is National Careers Week and students are taking part in dedicated tutor-time activities designed to encourage them to think differently about careers shaped by choices, experiences and courage.
As part of this, Mr Cann, East Leake Academy’s careers lead, has arranged a personal message from world-renowned sailor Dee Caffari, to our students about her extraordinary.
In 2006, Caffari became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world against the prevailing winds and currents — a 178-day challenge that earned her an MBE. In her personal video message to ELA students, she makes it clear that her success did not happen overnight.
Caffari’s journey began with interests, hobbies and a love of the outdoors. Before becoming a professional sailor, Dee was a PE teacher. It was through saying yes to opportunities and being brave enough to step outside her comfort zone, that she turned a passion into a world-class career.
Her message to students is simple but powerful: be brave; life is about opportunities — which ones you grab and which ones you let pass you by.
A key theme in Caffari’s message is that what students do now matters: clubs, hobbies, volunteering, sport, creative interests and enrichment activities are not “extras”. They are the experiences that help young people discover their passions, develop skills and stand out to universities and employers.
