Suzie went back to school last week — and it’s stayed with her ever since 🏫

She was invited back to Moorend Academy in Huddersfield to support their mock interview day. It’s a school in an area where many students carry huge expectations — often being encouraged toward very specific, traditional career paths like becoming a doctor, engineer or dentist.

What struck her most wasn’t their ability — because that was clear — it was how little some of them realised how many other paths exist, and how many different ways there are to build a meaningful, successful life.

You could see confidence grow within the conversation itself. Students who started quietly, unsure if they were saying the “right” thing, began to open up when they realised they were simply being listened to — not judged.

One conversation in particular has stayed with her. She spoke with a student who had come to the UK seeking safety and a fresh start. To sit across from someone so young, carrying that level of change and uncertainty, yet still showing up with hope and determination for their future, was incredibly grounding. It was a reminder that resilience often sits quietly — and that belief, when given the space to grow, can change everything.

It reinforced something she sees every day in recruitment: confidence and exposure shape direction. Sometimes it only takes one conversation — one moment of being seen and heard — for someone to start viewing themselves differently.

There is so much strength, resilience and untapped potential in those classrooms.

Thank you to Moorend Academy for having Suzie back — and lovely to meet Jaz Lewthwaite too.