For our Alumna of the Month interview, we spoke to Anna Carr. She started Reception at Bromley High School in 2000 and left in 2012. She studied Psychology at the University of Liverpool, and is currently working as an Assistant Psychologist.
Please briefly describe your current role
I currently work as an Assistant Psychologist for an eating disorders service, supporting patients with their psychological needs, facilitating therapeutic groups and providing 1:1 support.
How did Bromley High School help shape your future career?
Bromley High School was the supportive start I needed to build the confidence to pursue my interests and figure out what I wanted my future to look like. My teachers taught with passion and enthusiasm, encouraging my curiosity and helping me to believe I could achieve any goal I set myself.
I can even remember the day I first decided to study Psychology, following a conversation with my teacher Miss Hathaway, about a psychological experiment she was doing in one of her classes. I remember her patience as I asked endless questions and her way of making me feel like a real ‘grown up’ after our conversations! I now have an undergraduate and master’s degree in Psychology and am applying to study for my doctorate next year – thank you Miss Hathaway!
What aspects of Bromley High School did you most enjoy, and find most rewarding?
Bromley High offered so much extra-curricular activity and I loved being part of the dance and music productions. Everyone put so much work and commitment into the shows and there was such a great feeling of excitement and pride after each one (most notably performing at the Royal Albert Hall!)
What is your favourite memory of being at Bromley High School?
I have so many memories from Bromley High but my favourites are the everyday things that kept us all laughing. From singing “Stop, Il y a une erreur!” (to the tune of “Stop! In the Name of Love”) in my French class when our teacher made a mistake on the board, to jumping up and getting under our desks when the bell rang to simulate an earthquake alarm in Geography!
What value do you get out of your connections with your fellow alumnae?
Many of my friends during my time at Bromley High School are still my closest friends today, some I even met on my first day of Reception. It is so special to have friends who have supported each other through every stage of our lives and continue to play such a huge role in each other’s lives as adults.