When I joined ESMS in 2007 as a Development Assistant, the Development Office was still in its infancy. At that time, I could never have imagined that almost twenty years later I would be writing a farewell piece as I prepare to leave the Schools and begin a new chapter at my alma mater, Heriot-Watt University.
Looking back, what strikes me most is not the events, the fundraising totals or the projects, important though those have all been. It is the people.
Over the past two decades, I have had the privilege of meeting thousands of former pupils, parents, staff both current and former, supporters and friends of the Schools. I have heard remarkable stories of school days stretching back more than half a century, listened to memories that have made me laugh out loud, and learned time and again just how deeply a school community can shape lives long after students have left its gates.
When I first started in the role, much of our former pupil information existed in paper records, old registers, handwritten notes and filing cabinets. I spent many hours carefully creating and updating digital records, often piecing together information from a variety of sources to help reconnect former pupils with one another and with the Schools. At the time, it occasionally felt like a never-ending task, but looking back, it was the foundation for so much of what followed. Every record represented a person and a story, and every connection made has helped strengthen the community we enjoy today.
One of the greatest joys of my role has been helping people reconnect: with old friends, former teachers, classmates and the Schools themselves. Over the years I have watched countless former pupils arrive at reunions feeling slightly apprehensive, only to spot someone they have not seen for decades and immediately fall into conversation as if no time had passed at all. It never ceases to amaze me how strong those school friendships remain, regardless of the years in between. Those moments capture perfectly what makes this community so special.
Whether through reunions, tours, networking events, lectures or celebrations, it has been wonderful to see relationships rekindled and new opportunities created. Former pupils have found mentors, work experience placements, internships and even jobs through the connections they have made. More importantly, many have rediscovered a sense of belonging to a community they thought they had left behind years earlier.
There have been many memorable moments along the way: major anniversaries, milestone reunions, fundraising campaigns, a Giving Day, the Dinner for Doddie, community lectures, business networking events and countless gatherings of parents, former pupils and friends. Yet some of the moments I cherish most have been the simplest ones. Welcoming a former pupil back to school for the first time in decades; hearing stories of teachers who inspired generations of young people; or witnessing the pride with which former pupils continue to speak about their schools many years later.
The importance of community was perhaps never more evident than during the pandemic. Like so many others, we suddenly found ourselves separated from friends, colleagues and loved ones. I never imagined that online quizzes, singalongs and photo competitions would become part of my job description, yet they quickly became some of the highlights of those challenging months. Seeing members of the ESMS community join in from their homes across the country and around the world was both heartwarming and uplifting. During a period of uncertainty and isolation, those shared moments of humour and connection reminded us that community is about far more than simply being in the same place.
I am particularly proud of the support our community has shown for bursaries over the years. While fundraising figures are important, what has always mattered most to me is the impact behind them. Some of the most meaningful moments of my career have come from hearing directly from bursary recipients and their families about the opportunities that an ESMS education has given them. Reading their stories and understanding the difference that donor generosity has made to their lives has been a powerful reminder of why philanthropy matters. It is a testament to the kindness and commitment of our supporters that so many young people have been able to benefit from opportunities that might otherwise have been beyond their reach.
No one builds a community alone. I have been fortunate to work alongside talented and committed colleagues, volunteers and ambassadors who have given their time, expertise and enthusiasm so generously. I am deeply grateful to every colleague I have worked with across the Schools, and especially to the members of the Development team, past and present, whose friendship and support have meant so much.
As I prepare to leave, I do so with a mixture of sadness and gratitude. ESMS has been a significant part of my life for nearly twenty years. It has watched me grow professionally, introduced me to lifelong friends and provided opportunities I could never have anticipated when I first walked through the door.
While I am excited for the challenge ahead, I know I will always remain a supporter of the Schools and an admirer of this extraordinary community. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey. It has been a privilege to serve the ESMS community, and I leave with many happy memories, immense gratitude and every confidence that the community will continue to thrive for generations to come.
