Old Princethorpian Interview

Sacha Galloway

Background:
Having recently completed my Masters in International Technology Management at the University of Warwick, I am now a Business and Technology Consultant for TATA Consultancy Services, part of the TATA group, whilst also exploring PHD options. I live in Leamington Spa and really enjoy travelling the world.

Age:
24

When was I at Princethorpe:
I joined the college in 2004 and completed Upper Sixth there, leaving the college as a student in 2011. I also then undertook summer work within the Princethorpe estates department between 2011-2016 to support my university studies.

What was the school like in my day:
Princethorpe was a very welcoming and warm place to be with a range of encouraging and inspiring teachers, an excellent group of peers and lots of opportunity for learning. The Chapel was known to get a little chilly on a winter morning though.

How did Princethorpe affect the person I am today:
Princethorpe gave me an excellent group of friends for life and made me into a confident, well rounded individual, with a range of qualifications.

What advice would I give to my teenage self:
I’d probably advise myself not to rush to get older.

Who or what has been the greatest influence on my life:
I would have to say my family and friends are the biggest influence on my life, but I can also push myself quite hard at times.

What keeps me awake at night:
I am a very deep sleeper so it’s unusual for me to stay awake. Although the occasional party has been known to affect me getting my eight hours in.

What has been my proudest moment/greatest achievement so far:
I would say academically, achieving a first degree and completing my masters. Non-academically however, undoubtedly when I discovered a never before seen Whale Shark on a diving trip in the Indian Ocean, which the wildlife people have now named after me.

What is my biggest indulgence:
Taking a year out between my BSc and MSc to travel the world was quite indulgent.

If I had one last meal, what would it be:
Homemade Pancakes, Chilli Squid, Spaghetti and Millionaire Shortbread. Or a Nandos.

What is my favourite TV show and why:
Regrettably, I’d have to say The Great British Bake Off. I know nothing about baking and this programme surrounds a topic of which I have very little knowledge and as such, is an excellent way to unwind. I do love a cake too…

If I could be anywhere right now, where would it be and who with:
I’d probably be at the top of a very steep ski slope, with Rory Rooney and Charlie Carmichael.

My Lasting memories of Princethorpe:
One quite naughty memory really would be when I was 13 years old and a group of us accidentally set off the fire alarm and the fire brigade showed up. I remember running up and down the Sixth Form corridor on results day, celebrating my grades like I’d just won the Champions League. Also the recent 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee Ball was a night to remember!

Am I in touch with any other old Princethorpians, if so whom:
I am very lucky and proud to have maintained very close friendships with a range of old Princethorpians, both staff and student alike. Rory Rooney remains to be my best friend of 12 years now and we spent 2015/16 travelling Australia together. I would say I remain very close to over 30+ old Princethorpians and keep in contact with most of my further peers through social media.

Is there anyone I would like to track down:
James Clive-Smith and Jacob Mitchell.