JET delivers first Inspirational Outreach session at SUA
Squadron Leader Gaz Stevens from RAF Cosford is a natural public speaker and on 30th November he had his audience at Staffordshire University Academy (SUA) spellbound by his description of life as an engineer in the RAF.
He had lots of interesting anecdotes and a sense of humour which kept students entertained. But, he also gave them a detailed insight into his working life as he described how his engineering career has developed in the 18 years he has been in the RAF. The students liked the way he linked key events in his life with reference to ‘”lots of sitting in groups and marching in straight lines!” The use of a timeline of personal photographs and images was very powerful and this will help ensure that the messages are remembered. Bharat, 17, said he would remember Gaz’s quote that “every day is a school day and every day is an opportunity to learn more” while Rhia, also 17 said, ‘Today I have learned that no matter what life throws at you, you are never at a disadvantage. You just have to do it and try.”
This was the first visit by JET to SUA and Mr Williams, sixth form tutor, said “It would be great if we could continue the links between our institution and the Jon Egging Trust as I am sure that some of the programmes you offer would be a huge benefit to a whole range of our students across all key stages.”
Gaz said “It was a pleasure to talk to such an amazing, diverse, patient and keen audience from Staffordshire University Academy. For my first talk of this kind they certainly made me feel at ease and I hope that even if I can motivate one person to push that little bit harder, or be more positive about their experiences, then I will be more than grateful for the opportunity.’
Sue Byatt, JET’s Interim Head of Youth Programmes was really pleased that her challenge to the students to raise money for JET by organising a sponsored event that “involves marching, cakes and sitting in groups” has been accepted by Mr William’s tutor group. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
