Inspiring Year 12 to Dream Bigger
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There are few more rewarding experiences than speaking to young people on the brink of exciting new chapters in their lives; full of ambition, potential and possibility.
That was the atmosphere in the school hall at Chiswick School when Year 12 students welcomed Felicity Ashley - award-winning keynote speaker and #1 best-selling author, who has led blue-chip teams, battled cancer mid-ocean, and still tells it straight - for a memorable and inspiring afternoon talk ahead of exam season.
Despite the sunny Friday afternoon slot before a bank holiday weekend, students quickly engaged with Felicity’s honest, humorous and uplifting message. As the talk unfolded, nervous fidgeting gave way to attentive silence, followed by laughter, applause and appreciative whoops in all the right places.
At the heart of the speech was a powerful reminder that throughout life, people will hear endless reasons why they cannot or should not do something, and often talk themselves out of opportunities before they even begin.
Instead, students were encouraged to:
- Find reasons, not excuses, to say “I can, and I will.”
- Dare to dream — not just sensible dreams, but the ones that truly excite and challenge them.
- Have the courage to take the first step today, rather than waiting to feel “ready”.
The impact of the talk became especially clear afterwards, when many students stayed behind to speak personally with Felicity and share their own stories.
Comments included:
“That was amazing — I really needed to hear that today.”
“I’m having knee surgery soon, and you’ve given me hope.”
And perhaps most memorably:
“You were so much better than the former Prime Minister!”
Reflecting on the afternoon, Felicity said it was a privilege to spend time with such an attentive and thoughtful audience.
The visit perfectly reflected the school’s motto of “Empowering students to be Ambitious & Proud.” Through stories of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things, students were encouraged to believe in themselves as they head into exam season and beyond.
A huge thank you to Felicity for an inspiring and memorable afternoon for Year 12.
Felicity is available for speaking engagements upon her return in August. You can find out more, follow her journey and support her fundraising here:
Book: Stronger than the Storm