Jamie Pickering, Drake 2024
What do you do now, and what does a typical day look like?
I am the founder of a creative digital studio, specialising in web design, videography, and social media. A typical day begins with Pilates (cliche, I know). I start my workday between 8-9 and finish it by shamelessly watching Love Island USA and/or Traitors.
What co-curricular activities did you participate in, and which was your favorite?
Not many, much to my tutors’ frustration! But I always enjoyed debating, that was a co-curricular that I was always eager to be involved in.
What do you think makes the school unique compared to others?
The sense of community. People often speak about the RHS Bubble, and it really does exist! You feel as though you know everybody, and there is always somebody you can turn to for support.
What do you miss most about your time at RHS, and what are the memories that stand out the most?
Seeing my friends every day. 90% of them are now at University, or travelling, so I didn’t realise how much of a luxury it was to spend 6 days a week with them. How crazy to think I used to spend 10 hours a day with my closest friends, now I see some of them just once a quarter.
What path did you take after RHS? (University, Apprenticeship etc.)
I was accepted into University for law, but knew deep down it wasn’t a journey that I was personally passionate about. I left school planning to travel and then join an apprenticeship, and I did neither! Instead, I waitressed to save money, and then began my company, withjamie. Travelling is still to come, though, that’s for sure.
How did your experience at RHS help prepare you for life beyond RHS?
Taxes, insurance, mortgages, and loans were just a few topics that I learnt about across my curriculum, which was a helpful introduction into life beyond RHS.
What achievements from your time at RHS are you most proud of?
I’m proud of my consistent hard work that led to my strong grades. I was also proud of my Leavers Songs of Praise speech, it makes me happy to know I left RHS with that being my final note.
What achievements since RHS are you most proud of?
Setting up my business, withjamie, and solo travelling.
What skills did you learn at RHS that you still use today?
Aside from the practical skills from the curriculum, my time at RHS saw a lot of growth in my confidence, which I carry today in many parts of my life.
What advice would you give to current students?
Focus on today. I spent lots of time thinking about the future, and whilst it’s important to consider, don’t hyper fixate on it. Before you
know it, school will be a memory, and you’ll want one more day.