When did you leave The Abbey and what are you doing now? 

I left the Abbey in 2018 and after spending 15 years there, it’s fair to say I was nervous which was completely normal. Though quickly, I settled into Exeter studying English and fell in love with the city, the course and university life. Having wanted to go to Kings College London, Exeter was very different to what I had imagined life being after school, but it was a blessing in disguise. I would still take the lecture I had in Exeter Cathedral over life in London! 

What do you miss the most about The Abbey? 

The Abbey was my home away from home and I never knew anything else so to say I miss it is an understatement. It’s the people I miss the most though – my friends, the teachers and having a happy and safe environment to come to every day. Sixth Form was the best though and I miss teachers dragging us to lessons and doubling over in laughter pretty much every day. 

What would you say is your biggest achievement? 

My biggest achievement since coming to University has been the Instragram platform I’ve created, Matriarch. Matriarch is the positivity platform that strives to create change, empower, and build human connection. I write a blog, platform other voices to hear their stories, make resources, drive conversation outside of the norm and create content to help other people, whether it’s by listening, creating or educating. Creating this platform which has over 3.5k followers on Instagram is not something I ever saw myself doing but the confidence and passion I grew during my first year of uni was the ignition I needed and Matriarch has since become my proudest achievement. 

Finally, what advice would you give to current Abbey students? 

We have grown up and been educated in an environment that demands decisions and a plan – it is okay if you don’t have one. Most people I know from school and university still don’t know what they want to do in the future and even if they do, they’re very open to the fact that it will probably change many times over their careers. Not knowing is okay. But the one thing that I would advise to any one is to always follow the thing you are the most passionate about. That passion will be your driver – don’t do something to please anyone else apart from yourself. 

When did you leave The Abbey and what are you doing now? 

I left the Abbey in 2018 and after spending 15 years there, it’s fair to say I was nervous which was completely normal. Though quickly, I settled into Exeter studying English and fell in love with the city, the course and university life. Having wanted to go to Kings College London, Exeter was very different to what I had imagined life being after school, but it was a blessing in disguise. I would still take the lecture I had in Exeter Cathedral over life in London! 

What do you miss the most about The Abbey? 

The Abbey was my home away from home and I never knew anything else so to say I miss it is an understatement. It’s the people I miss the most though – my friends, the teachers and having a happy and safe environment to come to every day. Sixth Form was the best though and I miss teachers dragging us to lessons and doubling over in laughter pretty much every day. 

What would you say is your biggest achievement? 

My biggest achievement since coming to University has been the Instagram platform I’ve created, Matriarch. Matriarch is the positivity platform that strives to create change, empower, and build human connection. I write a blog, platform other voices to hear their stories, make resources, drive conversation outside of the norm and create content to help other people, whether it’s by listening, creating or educating. Creating this platform which has over 3.5k followers on Instagram is not something I ever saw myself doing but the confidence and passion I grew during my first year of uni was the ignition I needed and Matriarch has since become my proudest achievement. 

Finally, what advice would you give to current Abbey students? 

We have grown up and been educated in an environment that demands decisions and a plan – it is okay if you don’t have one. Most people I know from school and university still don’t know what they want to do in the future and even if they do, they’re very open to the fact that it will probably change many times over their careers. Not knowing is okay. But the one thing that I would advise to any one is to always follow the thing you are the most passionate about. That passion will be your driver – don’t do something to please anyone else apart from yourself. 

Ria, 2018 leaver