In this blog, ambassador Bethany reflects on growing up in Blyth, navigating education through uncertainty, and the people and opportunities that helped her believe in a bigger future. She shares her journey from secondary school to university, the impact that being part of The Girls' Network mentoring programme had on her, as well as her determination to give back to the community that shaped her. 

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A bit of background

Growing up in Blyth, often a small and overlooked town, you don’t always expect your path to take you far. It’s easy to feel limited, but from an early age I knew I wanted something different. That’s not to say I didn’t have a good experience growing up - quite the opposite. My school helped me excel by offering extracurricular activities, and my family and friends supported me with my hobbies, especially my passion for dance.

I spent countless days singing in pubs, performing in pantomimes, and taking part in dance shows and competitions. I met some inspirational people who helped me believe in a future that was bigger than my small town, and that belief still drives me today.

My education

Throughout my education I took every opportunity I was offered. I felt motivated, focused and very driven.

During secondary school, I encountered challenges. I felt more academically driven than many of my peers and was focused on building a future career. Despite working my hardest, I found myself in the middle sets, scoring average on assessments.

Then came the pandemic. I didn’t sit my GCSEs due to COVID-19 and instead was awarded predicted grades based on previous work. That uncertainty was difficult to process.

Even through all of this, something stuck with me: the teachers. They treated me like I mattered and helped me feel seen for my ambitions. Without them, I would not be where I am today. I persevered and achieved GCSEs that got me into their sixth form.

The Girls’ Network

I found out about The Girls’ Network in 2018 while I was in secondary school, when I learned that we could have the opportunity to be matched with a mentor during our studies.

That’s how I met Aimee, my mentor. She quickly became someone I looked up to. Aimee helped me secure work experience at a marketing agency: 'Narrative', and guided me through earning a safeguarding qualification, which helped me get my first jobs. Before our mentoring journey ended, Aimee gifted me a photo frame filled with my dreams and aspirations, which I still use as a reminder to keep pushing forward.

Aimee has since secured a five-figure investment from Innovate UK to commercialise marketing attribution software. She’s living proof that with hard work and vision, I can achieve anything I put my mind to, and that the struggle is worth it.

Sixth form

Sixth form brought new hurdles, particularly in discovering what I actually wanted. My A Levels were different from what I studied in secondary school and included a Health and Social Care BTEC, Religious Studies A Level, English Language A Level and an EPQ.

Despite setbacks, my mindset didn’t waver. I refused to let go of my dream. I wanted to diversify myself and stand out in terms of my degree, and I made sure I did just that.

I finished my A Levels and secured a place at Liverpool Hope University, studying Musical Theatre and Education as a joint degree. I applied and auditioned for, and received, two scholarships: a performance scholarship and a music scholarship.

I proved to myself and my family that being from Blyth didn’t limit my potential.

University

My journey through university could be a novel in itself. It included the most intense highs, but also the most emotional lows.

Highlights included performing in Eurovision and receiving an Executive Dean’s Award. University pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible, helped me become independent, and supported me to grow into a version of myself that I’m truly proud of.

Where I am now

Currently, I’m back in Blyth completing a SCITT route into a PGCE with the accrediting board of Northumbria University.

My goal is to become a primary school teacher in the North East - to return home, bring back what I’ve learned, and make a difference in the place that shaped me.

Where I want to go

Since I was little, my dream has been to work in the musical theatre industry. Looking ahead, I’d love to create a space where young girls can explore teaching, earn qualifications, and build confidence, especially in creative fields. I want to help them believe that their lives are not limited by where they come from. In fact, they can thrive because of it.

My dream is to be the reason someone believes in themselves - to have a young person one day say, “She made a difference in my life.”

Thank you to The Girls’ Network for being a huge part of my journey.

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We’re incredibly grateful to Bethany for sharing her journey so openly and honestly. Her resilience, ambition and commitment to creating opportunities for others truly embody the values of The Girls’ Network. We have no doubt that Bethany has a bright and impactful future ahead, and we can’t wait to see the difference she will make for the next generation of girls and young women.