State school, hard work, and going for GOLD
#12

State school, hard work, and going for GOLD

You could rightfully say these two guests are the definition of go-getters. A natural fire burns in their bellies to over-achieve, which is textbook big-sister behaviour. However, we also explore how this is driven by personal circumstance too, and how 'time-poverty' impacts working class students getting into STEM.

First off, meet Catherine Sayer. As a 'Draper's 30 Under 30' Fashion Buyer (and Manchester Alumni, ofc), she is nothing if not dedicated. Catherine read the Drapers Magazine list as a undergraduate student, vowing to one day make that roster through hard-work, knowledge of her craft and yielding a 'faking it until you make it' attitude. Now recently crowned alongside industries figureheads like Love Island's Molly-Mae Hague, Catherine is in a whole other league of climbing the career ladder.

Meanwhile, let us introduce you to second-year Chemical Engineering student, Aram Ameen, who is not going to shy away from talking about intersectionality in STEM and networks for working-class students! She's President of the 93 Degrees Club (who recently hosted TED, btw?!), which delivers opportunities, spaces and employee connections to state-school educated girls. She's an oldest child AND a big sister - you could just say she's a professional problem solver.

We chat to Aram and Catherine about everything: transitioning into Sixth Form, achieving HUGE life goals and learning to swim - not sink - when life gets overwhelming.

So, put your headphones on, grab a coffee and get comfy as we share stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh while we're at it. You thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice? Oh, yes you do.

Episode Video

Creators and Guests

Alice Stevens
Host
Alice Stevens
As one of five girls, I am a big, middle and younger sister all at once! My professional background is in journalism, so I love storytelling and spotlighting issues that really matter. Being Co-Host, Marketing Lead and Creative Strategist on this podcast is such a joy. Nothing beats when I hear that Big Sisters brings people comfort and community!
Jasmine Luby Barrow
Host
Jasmine Luby Barrow
Big sister by name, big sister by nature! I'm the creator of the Big Sisters in STEM brand, and now fill my time as Co-Host, Producer, Designer, and Campaign Strategist. When I'm not talking about education you can find me painting and writing my novel 👩‍🎨
Kory Stout
Editor
Kory Stout
I am a proud member of the Big Sister's in STEM team. I've worked at The University of Manchester for a decade and I am constantly in awe and inspired by the women who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in Science and Engineering.
Nick Parker
Editor
Nick Parker
I’m the resident Big Sisters sound guy, and also help to manage the delivery of the project. It’s been incredibly rewarding to help to establish this community of positive, supportive people, working to help lift each other up.