What is your job in the school?

I am the school chaplain and charity lead within the school.

What do you love about your job?

The brilliant students and staff I work with, and having a pastoral role, along with informal teaching in Chapel and small groups. Encouraging others to explore the meaning of life! On the charity side it has been lovely to support some amazing charities, meet some of their staff and help raise money to enable them to flourish.

How did you first get interested in your profession?

I became a Christian when I was 16, so that was a key point in shaping the direction of my life. The transformative nature of god’s love in a person’s life is the best thing ever, so I suppose I ended up doing a job that focused on sharing that message with others.

What are your most memorable achievements of your job?

Christian ministry is not really about achievement-it is more about caring for people and showing the seeds that may not burst into life for months or even years. The impact of pastoral care is difficult to measure. Having said that, the first church I led tripled in size which was extremely exciting. If not a little overwhelming at times. On the charity side raising enough money to build the girls’ boarding house at Ngamo

Have you ever faced any challenges in working in your profession?

My job is people centred. Working with people is both thrilling and challenging in equal measure. Humans are amazing and capable of so many wonderful things, but they are also complex and, at times, tricky. I am one of them, so, the challenge is to learn to live and work together for the best possible outcomes and the greater good.

What keeps you going in this career?

My first thought is interacting with students and my work colleagues – wonderful on both counts! God’s faithfulness and grace towards me are vital. Also, I believe most people are curious about God and faith so having opportunities to explore and talk about this is a gift.

Do you have any strategies or routines that help you in your career?

Prayer and listening to the wisdom and advice of others experienced in Christian ministry. For me, the Bible is a deep mine, full of treasure, that helps when I am trying to negotiate life and work.

How do you plan out your day?

Having Chapel first thing each morning is an anchor to everything else that follows. I lead several small groups through each week with both students and staff. I lead some meetings each half term such as the Parent Prayer Breakfast and the voluntary Services of Holy Communion. Around that I can be flexible and fairly spontaneous in order to meet with people, visit Houses etc.

What advice would you give to students who want to pursue your job?

Come and talk to me! Get involved in your local church and talk to the Vicar/Minister/Pastor. Pray for wisdom and guidance.

Has there been a time when your job became very difficult but pushed you to improve?

I have felt hard-pressed at times and once discovered that someone was actively undermining my ministry in the workplace. It was difficult and not easy to resolve but I doubled down and carried on!

Are there any other Can you recall any particularly inspirational moments in your career journey?

Seeing young people grow in their faith is always inspiring. Walking with people through the highs and lows of life (e.g. births, marriages, illness, and death) is a real honour and privilege.

What do you enjoy or find challenging?

I love speaking in Chapel and meeting with people, hopefully encouraging, or provoking some thoughts, and maybe actions, around the things in life that really matter friendship, love, forgiveness, kindness, humility, patience, family, laughter, honesty. All these things are at the heart of Jesus’s teaching.

How long have you worked here?

I have been working for five years.

• Molly