Chancellor’s journey from the coal house to the White House inspires pupils

Foreign affairs expert Fiona visited North Durham Academy in Stanley, UK, to share her journey ‘from the coal house to the White House’.

She explained during assemblies to Year 7 and Year 8 pupils that growing up in Bishop Auckland in the 1970s, she attended one of the ten worst schools in the country at that time.

However, she was eager to learn, to ask questions and seek support.

Fiona developed a keen interest in Russian affairs and studied at St Andrew’s University in Scotland.

She then won a scholarship to attend Harvard University, USA, and later went on to become a presidential advisor to George W Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

From Bishop Auckland to Washington DC

Fiona told the North Durham Academy pupils: “If somebody had told me as a girl in Bishop Auckland that I’d end up in the White House speaking to presidents, I would never have believed them.

“But that is where my path took me.

“I want you to think about where you want to go in life and what paths you need to take to get there.

“Because honestly, with hard work anything is possible, no matter your background.”

Aiming high

Among those listening to Fiona’s presentation was Year 8 pupil Samuel, aged 12, who wants to be either a pharmacist or a politician when he is older.

Samuel said: “University will be an important step for me, and Durham is on my list of options.”

Year 7 pupil Seth, aged 11, aspires to become a mechanic and will explore apprenticeship routes.

He said: “Hearing Fiona’s talk was very beneficial; it’s definitely made me think.”

Opening doors

Fiona said she hoped her visit helped give pupils the confidence to be whatever they want to be.

She added: “Not everybody’s pathway is the same. Not everybody has to go to university – although it would be lovely if some of these pupils came to Durham”.

“The most important thing is that education in all its forms can open doors.”

Mark Gray, Headteacher at North Durham Academy, said: “We were incredibly lucky to have Fiona share her story with us, particularly because she comes from a similar background to many of our pupils.

“We want our pupils to see that with the right support and work ethic, they can go on to have extraordinary experiences in their lives, just like Fiona has.”

Fiona’s visit to the Academy came during a stay in North East England which also saw her meet students at Durham Sixth Form Centre and representatives of the Durham Miners’ Association.

Find out more

• Learn more about our Chancellor Dr Fiona Hill
• Read about our Chancellor In Conversation event hosted by Dr Fiona Hill 
• Discover our student support programmes and the work we’re doing to widen access and participation in higher education