News from OLs

OL Profile: Tara Slade (Manor 2010–2015)

Which A Levels did you study?

English Literature, Biology, Chemistry and Maths.

When I left Lancing ...

I studied undergraduate medical sciences at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, before intercalating and taking a masters in History and Philosophy of Science, a branch of Natural Sciences. I am now studying Graduate Entry Medicine at St Peter’s College, Oxford and I also teach anatomy.

What influence has Lancing had on your life?

Lancing taught me the importance of a healthy work-life balance, including the value of taking time out of academics to enjoy music, sport and social life.

What would you say to a prospective pupil about Lancing?

You get as much out of the College as you put in, so take the opportunity to immerse yourself and try the full range of activities on offer until you find your niche.

What else is happening for you right now?

I am excited that I will be coxing the Oxford Women’s first boat (pictured above) on 26 March at the Gemini Boat Race 2023.

OL Profile: Baasil Yusuf (Head’s 2007–2012)

Which A Levels did you study at Lancing?

I studied Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.

What did you do upon leaving Lancing?

I graduated from Queen Mary University of London with a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences and completed my post-graduate degree in Medicine at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. I am now working as a surgeon in training specialising in trauma and orthopaedic surgery.

What plans do you have for the future?

I am passionate about pursuing a career as a Trauma and Orthopaedics Surgeon.

How have your years at Lancing influenced you?

Lancing helped me to develop my independence and gave me the freedom to build my own persona around my own interests and strengths. As a result of my time at Lancing, I was ready to live an independent life at university and excel in order to gain a place in the competitive four year graduate medical programme and pursue my dreams of becoming a surgeon.

Which hobbies or interests did you pick up during your time at Lancing?

I loved rugby and captained the 1st XV. I also played cricket and went on to play rugby for Richmond.

Are you still in touch with people you met at Lancing?

I have a close group of dear friends from all over the world pursuing all sorts of exciting ventures and we keep in touch, as much as a group of Boomers can!

What advice would you give to a new pupil who is about to start at Lancing?

Be open-minded and determined. You will meet a variety of personalities and will be under the guidance of some of the best teachers and mentors around so make the most of it. Appreciate the nourishing and diverse environment Lancing has to offer; it will enable you to take on anything in the real world.

OL Profile: Alicia Ebisawa (Field’s 2013–2017)

What influence has Lancing had on your life?

Lancing made me adaptable to any kind of environment, increased my interpersonal skills and consolidated my belief that everything in life is learnable.

What hobbies or interests did you pick up during your time at school?

I was involved in the rock band workshops on Thursday evenings where I enjoyed playing the guitar with my pals. My interest (which evolved into my passion) in languages were intensified during my time at Lancing as well. The Modern Foreign Languages Department is amazing.

Are you still in touch with people you met at Lancing?

Yes, I am, including teachers who taught me. I have been able to reconnect with many more people since I went to the Young OLs event in London.

What OL activities have you taken part in since you left?

A YOLs event in Embankment in London in 2022. It was so lovely to see some old faces and learn how well they are doing. I would definitely like to take part in more of those events in the future.

What advice would you give to a new pupil who is about to start at Lancing?

Make the most of teachers’ clinics. Don’t worry too much about being homesick. Other students who you’ll befriend will make you feel like Lancing is your second home.

What is happening for you right now?

The most exciting development for me is that I started my own Japanese tutoring business. It was particularly nerveracking since I always believed the only path would be finding a stable job in a corporate. However, after teaching more than 45 students and achieving a 100% satisfaction rate, I decided to take a chance, and it is taking off nicely now.

One piece of philosophy which learning languages at Lancing taught me is that everything is learnable and I love passing on and proving this idea to my tutees. Making ‘impossible’ into possible and broadening their perspectives and changing how they see the world is so gratifying.

Do you or your children have an interest in different cultures? Whether you are fascinated by anime, manga, Japanese history or the culture of cuteness, I would love to tell you more about it and to develop your curiosity.

I am also here to help if you want to learn Japanese as a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award skill, or simply as a hobby or intellectual challenge. You can find out more on my website: www.tadaima-japanese.com

I look forward to hearing from you!