Meet the Team!

Erin brings fresh energy and enthusiasm to the team and is passionate about helping new leavers stay connected beyond their time at Sullivan. She’s excited to encourage recent graduates to get involved in the alumni network, building lasting relationships and a strong sense of community.

What inspired you to get involved with Sullivan Connect?

I attended Sullivan for 14 years, and my journey with the school came to a very sudden end in March 2020 when we were put into lock-down. I’ve always wanted to keep in touch with the school that has been such a big part of my life, so when I saw Sullivan Connect were looking for a recent university graduate to join the team I jumped at the chance!

How has Sullivan Upper School shaped your life and career?

I was very into maths and science at school, and the encouragement of teachers at Sullivan really helped me feel confident enough to continue being interested in this in maths and sciences. I was the only girl in some of my A-level classes, but with brilliant teachers I never felt like the odd one out! I went on to do a maths degree at Durham University, then came home to study a Master’s degree in Education. Most recently, I qualified as a maths teacher at the start of July this year – and even won a prize as the top performing student teacher! My teachers at Sullivan helped me to learn what type of teacher I want to be! I’ll be continuing at university in September, as I’m starting a PhD researching the efficacy of mathematics education in Northern Irish special schools.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Sullivan?

I have so many fond memories of Sullivan, but highlights must include the annual Spring Concerts in the Ulster Hall! I was lucky enough to be in the spring concert every year I was at Sullivan, and performing on the stage of the Ulster Hall is a memory I absolutely cherish! Sullivan also provided me the opportunity to audition, and get into, the National Youth Choir for Northern Ireland, through which I not only got to work with world class musicians and perform in amazing places in Northern Ireland, but I also got to travel to France with the choir as part of their 20th anniversary year! The ski trips at Sullivan were also brilliant experiences!

What is your role in Sullivan Connect and what does it involve?

I am a new member of the Sullivan Connect team, having only joined in May of this year. I’m hoping to be able to get more recent school leavers involved with Sullivan Connect and staying in touch with the school! There is such a brilliant community associated with Sullivan that everyone, pupils past and present, really will benefit from staying in touch with the school!

How can former students give back to the school, even in small ways?

Keep in touch! Sullivan Connect want to celebrate the successes of alumni, no matter when you left school! Former students can give back to the school by donating to some of the causes on the Sullivan connect website, helping current students with things like getting supplies for after school clubs. Alumni can also volunteer their time and experience! By providing insights into your fields of expertise, current students and recent leavers will benefit in understanding of the area from a real life, first hand perspective!

If you could give one piece of advice to current students, what would it be?

My piece of advice would be to throw yourself into the things you enjoy in school, and to enjoy every moment! Your time at Sullivan will be over before you know it, so enjoy every single minute!