An interview with the CEO

This term, some of our young journalists had the opportunity to interview Miss Morley about her job as CEO and her recently awarded OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire).

The young journalists were Teddy, Confidence, Byron, Charlotte, Harry, Lolah and Phoebe.

What is the most exciting part of your job?

All of you! I love to be a part of helping you to grow and blossom. I want to give you opportunities and support your lives and your hopes and dreams for the future. It’s great to do a little bit of what you love every day.

Did you always want to do this job when you were younger?

I always loved school when I was younger. I was, and I still am, insanely curious. I just love learning, and I especially loved reading and science. When I left university, I wanted to be a chemical engineer and worked in this industry for some time. I couldn’t decide if I really wanted to be a scientist, downhill skier or concert pianist when I was at school.

Who has inspired you the most?

Everyone in different ways – I have such a big family. We all share the same mindset of be yourself, and its ok to be different. I get inspiration from everyone I meet in some way.

How did you feel when you found out about the OBE?

Shocked! I had no idea. I had been in London working on different projects and when I had got back to my car my back windscreen had been smashed. I was sad and looking forward to getting home. When I arrived home there was a letter addressed to me from ‘His Majesty’s Service’. When I opened the letter, I was completely speechless. I rang my sister as I thought she was having a joke with me – she is always doing that. She told me it was real, and I just burst out crying and I was a little embarrassed.

What was the award for, and why do you think you were chosen?

The award is for services to education. I think I was chosen because I work with lots of different people and children, and we are all so special.

Will you get to go to Buckingham Palace? Will you meet the King?

I will either go to Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, or in the Grand Reception Room at Windsor Castle to receive the award. I will receive my award from either the King, Princess Anne or Prince William. I really don’t mind who, but I would love it to be Princess Anne – she is a remarkable lady. I once attended a garden party for the late Queen Elizabeth, and I had ice-cream. It was the best ice-cream I had ever tasted, so I went back for seconds so I am very much looking forward to attending a royal event again.

What will you wear?

When I go to the palace to receive my award, I am going to wear a dress and hat made with our TVED colours. I will wear our Diamond Standards badge because I want someone to ask me about it, so I can talk about all of you.

When will you get the award? Where will you keep your OBE medal?

I am not sure yet as there is a waiting time. As soon as I know, I will let you all know. I am going to keep my OBE at home, and I am going to take my dad with me when I receive it. My Dad once said to me when he was making me do my homework, “One day you will get your dream and you will thank me, this is because sometimes you have to do things you don’t really want to do.” I will thank my dad on the day I receive my award, it’s my dad’s medal too.

How do you think this award will inspire others?

I don’t know yet, but it will be to do with making our lives here in Teesside better as well as our communities and opportunities in our life choices. I think OBE stands for ‘Our Brilliant Efforts’, so it will be about us and our education and careers.

What would you say to young people who want to achieve something like this one day?

I will tell you what my Grandad told me on New Year’s Eve 1979. It was a cold and frosty night, I was only 5 years old, and I was excited because it was the first time I had been allowed to stay up. We were looking up at the moon and I remember it was shining beautifully. Grandad asked me if I wanted to go there – to the moon. He said, “Believe you can, and you will get there, bairn.”

So, I would say to all of you, keep going through your hopes, adventures and quests and you will get there one day too. Do it with a big heart and I am sure you will meet some amazing people on the way.

Any final words?

My final message to you today is; Dream big, believe in yourself to the very bottom of your heart, make a difference to whoever and whatever you can. Share you, because you are special! Thank you all, I have had many years in education, and you are the first young journalist group to interview me – I don’t like talking about myself very much, but I have loved talking to all of you.