Merla finished her A-Levels at Roedean last summer, and is currently on her Gap Year before she begins university. Merla is currently working at Roedean as a Marketing and Admissions Assistant before she goes traveling.

Whilst at Roedean, Merla helped to direct Roedean’s first fully student-led production.

1. What is your favourite memory of Roedean?

Although it’s not a single moment, it has to be the people. My core memories from those 7 years revolve completely around the laughter and conversations I shared with them - from our English trip in Year 12 to Sheppey (the island with the highest criminal-to-non-criminal ratio!) to our Senior Sunrise, when the Year 13 boarders woke up at 3 a.m. to watch the sun rise over the Downs. I really hope that these people will be part of my life for a long time to come.

 2. What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at School?

I remember one of my teachers saying that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about listening, lifting others up, and making space for everyone to be heard. That advice has stayed with me.

 3. When you were at Roedean, what did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?

I think what I loved most about Roedean was how I had absolutely no idea. During my time there, I flitted between wanting to be an actress, a midwife, an archaeologist - and a few other things along the way! I’m still not completely sure where I’ll end up, but I know I’m drawn to humanitarian work.

 4. What are you now you’ve grown up?

 Hard to say - I only left last year! I’ve still got a lot of decisions (and probably a few detours) ahead of me. Right now, I’m back at Roedean working in Marketing and Admissions during my year out. Later on, I’m hoping to spend some time doing humanitarian work in Costa Rica and Fiji before heading to university. I haven’t applied yet, I’m in no rush, but I think something people-focused, like anthropology, education, or languages, might be the right fit.

 5. What does your job involve?

Marketing and Admissions is a great department to be part of - it’s really rewarding to play even a small role in shaping the futures of these young people. At the moment, I do a bit of everything: calling prospective parents, putting together profiles for potential scholars, and even joining the Year 7 and 8s on a trip to see My Neighbour Totoro in London last week! I’m not sure if this is where I’ll end up, but for now, I feel very lucky to work with such kind and supportive people.

 6. What have you done that you are most proud of?

Alongside more than 50 kind and intelligent students, I was so lucky to have the opportunity to direct Roedean’s first fully student-led production. My dad worked in technical theatre for many years, so I am lucky to have grown up surrounded by its magic. The lack of women involved in technical and creative roles was (and still is) hard to see, and I wanted to help change that.

There had always been a small, familiar group of students who got involved in theatre, but this time it reached far beyond that — and seeing how much it meant to everyone, cast and crew, audience and staff, was honestly such an honour. I’m really proud of it.

 7. What are the three objects you would take with you to a desert island?

A stack of books, a board game, and my OR friends (if I’m allowed to bring them!). With a sandy beach, and warm weather, I’m not sure anyone could convince me to leave!

8. What books have had a significant influence on you and why?

My parents gave me a copy of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy for Christmas the year it came out. There’s such gentle kindness to it - it’s simple and beautiful.

I also grew up reading Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read it. It has this quiet strength and warmth that I come back to whenever life feels a bit messy. It’s just wonderful.

 9. What is on your bucket list?

 Children have always been a big part of my life; they are such amazing changemakers. One day I’d love to foster or adopt children. Creating a safe, loving space for those that really need it is something that really matters to me.

 10. If you had one year and unlimited funds, what would you do?

Oh man, what a question! I think I’d like to travel and help to set up accessible schools in places that really need them. Education is the foundation of everything, especially for girls in places where access is still limited. The situation in Afghanistan, for instance, weighs on me a lot.

My sister and I both grew up with learning difficulties, and we were so lucky to have access to a school like Roedean. It troubles me that so many children, particularly those with additional needs or who learn differently, are held back simply because education systems are designed for one kind of learner. I’d love to change that one day.