The VOICE of Stephanie Young, Class of 2010
In this episode of 'What I Really Learned at School, Alfredian Voices,' Old Alfredian Stephanie revisits King Alfred School, sharing her journey and reflections with Deborah Castillo. Stephanie recounts the heartwarming experience of reconnecting with past classmates and influential teachers.. They were pivotal in shaping not just her analytical skills but also her understanding of the world and the holistic impact of education. She elaborates on how their rigorous academic yet caring teaching methods instilled essential life skills, particularly the ability to think critically and empathetically.
Having transitioned from a student to an educator herself, Stephanie spent eight years teaching before moving on to work at the Economist Educational Foundation. Here, she applies her rich educational background to develop resources that help teachers discuss current events in classrooms. She touches on the unique challenges and rewards of creating unbiased, fact-checked materials that engage young minds in meaningful discussions about global issues.
Reflecting on her time at King Alfred, Stephanie praises the school's enrichment-focused approach, which allowed her to explore varied interests, particularly in the arts and music. She underscores the value of such a nurturing and holistic learning environment, comparing it to the often less flexible mainstream educational systems. Stephanie believes that this unique educational experience empowered her to enter adulthood with a strong sense of identity and purpose. Lastly, she advises current students to seize every opportunity for enrichment and exploration, as these experiences are foundational to personal and intellectual growth.
Stephanie’s journey from King Alfred School to making impactful contributions in education and beyond showcases the school's lasting influence on its students, fostering a deep-seated love for learning and personal development.
Creators and Guests
Producer
Deborah Castillo
After a 10-year career as an advertising and marketing executive in Miami, Deborah crossed the pond in 2013 to start a new life in the U.K. In 2023, she pivoted to a career in Alumni Relations and Development, transferring her talent for bringing people and ideas together. With her American enthusiasm for staying connected to your Alma Mater, Deborah loves gathering, curating, and learning from our Old Alfredian stories. Fluent in Spanish and shaped by her cross-cultural experiences, she brings a global perspective to her work.
Guest
Stephane Young
I work with schools to support their young people to have lively and informed discussions about the news. After spending 10 years in the primary classroom, I joined The Economist Educational Foundation (TEEF) where I contribute to our shared mission of empowering teachers and young people with regular, in depth conversations about the news. In an age of ever-increasing polarisation, misinformation and rapid global change, children need to be given the tools to think critically, engage constructively with different perspectives and understand the world. From AI to global conflicts, climate change to online harms, I support teachers to feel confident bringing the world into their classroom.
Producer
Tamlyn Worrall
Development & Alumni Relations Director: As a consummate professional in the Alumni Relations and Development space, Tamlyn brings years of experience to cultivating relationships with our Old Alfredians. With a footprint in South Africa, Australia, and Japan, Tamlyn proudly calls London home, and it’s here that she’s developed her career in the education sector. At the heart of what she does, Tamlyn loves connecting with and learning about our OAs. She approaches every conversation with a sincere curiosity and warmth, finding herself fascinated by the details of every story. This podcast series was a germ of an idea in 2020 and thanks to a fabulous podcast editor we have finally been able to bring these Old Alfredian stories to a wider audience.
