Nathan Thompsett: rail engineer
Meet Nathan Thompsett, a former Heathfield student who is now working for Network Rail as a Senior Telecommunications Engineer.
We asked him about his time here at Heathfield and he told us about what he misses and remembers. “I remember how fun it was, and how enjoyable it was. Even though at the time it seemed a little dull, now looking back, I miss my time there.” He also says that he would change his attitude to learning: “I have now discovered that the techniques I used to learn then didn’t work for me in a professional capacity.” While at Heathfield his favourite subject was either Music or DT as he is both a very hands-on person and a keen musician. Reflecting on the subject he enjoyed least - English - he says “I feel that was more because I never worked very hard in the subject. I’m sure if I had applied myself more… I would’ve enjoyed it more”
Some of his favourite memories from his time at Heathfield were performing in school concerts, describing it as being very enjoyable and a huge help to him, being part of multiple semi-professional orchestras. However his proudest moment in his life has been when he was promoted to Senior Technician when he was only 21 - making him the youngest to hold that position in the country. Nathan's favourite part of the job is that, “No two days are the same. Each and every day is different and I get to see so many unique views of the countryside many others don’t get to enjoy”.
His greatest achievement outside his professional life was performing a piece in front of a crowd of over 250 in London. As part of the orchestra, he performed three pieces at St John Smith square to a full crowd. However his biggest regret is being too nervous to do more outgoing things. Throughout his whole life, he has always been quite timid and nervous but he wishes he was more outgoing and could live more to the fullest.
Nathan kindly gives us some great advice that he would have liked to give his younger-self. He says: “Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. I was always quite timid and followed the norms, which I don’t necessarily regret but I wish I pushed the boat out a little more.” He says he always remembers a lesson that the late Mr Gully taught him, “Whenever you do something new, or learn something new, go over it in your head and make sure you fully understand what you have done and why.” Finally, he gives us some advice for the future which may help Year 11, 12 and 13 at the moment “Don’t be afraid to look around for other possibilities. Even though you might be dead set on going to uni, don’t be afraid to look at apprenticeships or jobs. As the saying goes: ‘One often meets fate on the path one takes to avoid it.’
Heidi Skeggs Y11
We asked him about his time here at Heathfield and he told us about what he misses and remembers. “I remember how fun it was, and how enjoyable it was. Even though at the time it seemed a little dull, now looking back, I miss my time there.” He also says that he would change his attitude to learning: “I have now discovered that the techniques I used to learn then didn’t work for me in a professional capacity.” While at Heathfield his favourite subject was either Music or DT as he is both a very hands-on person and a keen musician. Reflecting on the subject he enjoyed least - English - he says “I feel that was more because I never worked very hard in the subject. I’m sure if I had applied myself more… I would’ve enjoyed it more”
Some of his favourite memories from his time at Heathfield were performing in school concerts, describing it as being very enjoyable and a huge help to him, being part of multiple semi-professional orchestras. However his proudest moment in his life has been when he was promoted to Senior Technician when he was only 21 - making him the youngest to hold that position in the country. Nathan's favourite part of the job is that, “No two days are the same. Each and every day is different and I get to see so many unique views of the countryside many others don’t get to enjoy”.
His greatest achievement outside his professional life was performing a piece in front of a crowd of over 250 in London. As part of the orchestra, he performed three pieces at St John Smith square to a full crowd. However his biggest regret is being too nervous to do more outgoing things. Throughout his whole life, he has always been quite timid and nervous but he wishes he was more outgoing and could live more to the fullest.
Nathan kindly gives us some great advice that he would have liked to give his younger-self. He says: “Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. I was always quite timid and followed the norms, which I don’t necessarily regret but I wish I pushed the boat out a little more.” He says he always remembers a lesson that the late Mr Gully taught him, “Whenever you do something new, or learn something new, go over it in your head and make sure you fully understand what you have done and why.” Finally, he gives us some advice for the future which may help Year 11, 12 and 13 at the moment “Don’t be afraid to look around for other possibilities. Even though you might be dead set on going to uni, don’t be afraid to look at apprenticeships or jobs. As the saying goes: ‘One often meets fate on the path one takes to avoid it.’
Heidi Skeggs Y11
