How a teacher can help change your life

This week I had the privilege of being part of a panel discussion for my old high school’s 70-year reunion event. It was wonderfully surreal to be back at Selwyn College and very special to be asked to represent the 1980s era.

That’s me on stage (third from the right) alongside what was possibly Selwyn’s most beloved teacher ever, June Renwick (second from the left, drama). Also seated on the panel (third from the left) was another teacher who had a huge impact on my life - Jan Butcher.

Jan was my form teacher in Sixth Form/Year 12, and she was also the school careers advisor.

When I was choosing my final-year subjects, a very well-meaning but deeply misguided relative told me, “You’ll never make money from art.” Unfortunately, I listened and chose all sciences instead.

I left school and started a science course, but halfway through the first year I realised it absolutely wasn’t for me. I ended up back in Jan Butcher’s office, feeling completely lost and convinced I’d made a huge mistake.

This was long before the internet, and Jan simply looked at me and asked, “What do you like doing?” Such a simple question, but such a powerful one.

I answered: art and photography.

Jan immediately began rifling through her enormous filing cabinet and pulled out every brochure and pamphlet she could find related to art and photography courses. Together, we identified photolithography - part of the printing trade at the time - as a strong possibility. She then helped me write letters to companies asking for an apprenticeship.

One company said yes.

That moment changed the direction of my life.

Nearly 40 years later, thank you, Jan.

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