Samantha Lewis
1. When you were at Brighton & Hove High School, and what is your fondest memory of school?
I was there from 1992-1998. I have many fond memories – but things like the D of E expeditions and co-writing the House Play (for Lyttelton) in Sixth Form were brilliant fun.
2. Who was your favourite teacher and why?
Oh gosh – it feels so mean to pick just one! I was lucky to have so many amazing teachers. Mr Buckley (Latin), Miss Kelleher (History) and Mrs O’Callaghan (Maths) were truly outstanding. But also Mrs Baker, Mrs Meeks – the list goes on…
3. What were the benefits of being in an all-girls school?
This one’s easy for me. I arrived in L4 (Year 8) having spent Year 7 in a mixed comprehensive, where boys tended to take over in Science and Maths (or at least that’s how I felt). It was really freeing to be in an all-girls environment where you could really thrive in those subjects and not feel held back in any way.
4. What did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?
A doctor (until I did work experience and came home in tears every night from seeing sick children), then a research chemist (until I discovered I was truly awful in the lab at university!).
5. What do you do now, and what are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your job?
I develop and produce science documentaries and podcasts. The most rewarding part of the job is the joy of seeing the seed of an idea grow into fully realised content. The most challenging part is letting go of projects that don’t make it through to being commissioned – you have to grow a very thick skin!
6. What are you most proud of so far?
I’ve recently written my first non-fiction book for children – Elements of the Day – and it’s been an absolute joy to work on. It’s been beautifully designed and illustrated (thanks to the hugely talented team behind it) and I couldn’t be more delighted with how it’s turned out.
7. What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at Brighton?
The most memorable was from my U4 Chemistry teacher, Miss Pedley. She taught us how to spot a fake diamond, and advised us to use that knowledge to catch out a dishonest suitor (or hang on to an honest one!).
8. What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
Don’t give up on things that you’re not immediately good at. Small, consistent efforts add up over time. Be patient and trust that small steps will eventually get you where you want to go.
9. What book, film or piece of music would you recommend to your younger self and to your fellow alumnae?
Elements of the Day, of course…www.samanthalewis.org/buy-elements-of-the-day
Also, A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson – the perfect book to spark a young person’s curiosity. It covers big, complicated ideas in a really accessible way.
10. How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who always had a good answer to questions like “how would you like to be remembered?”.
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