As part of our 50 Years of Girls at Rugby School celebrations, we are reconnecting with former female Rugbeians and staff to reflect on their time at Rugby and explore the paths their careers have taken since leaving.

To mark International Women’s Day, we are sharing a series of features on current student Lana, Deputy Head Lara Hampton, and Rugbeian Beth Harvey-Jones, now a researcher in clinical oncology.

In this feature, current student Lana reflects on her experience at Rugby and her aspirations for the future.

Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself and what subjects or interests you’re currently most passionate about? What inspired those interests?

One of my biggest passions is A Level English, because I have always loved reading and exploring how language shapes ideas. My dad played a huge role in inspiring this, as he encouraged me to read widely from a young age and helped me see literature as something powerful rather than just academic. I also study Classics, which feels like the perfect blend between literature and history - another subject I’ve always been deeply curious about because I love understanding how past societies thought and behaved. Alongside this, my EPQ focuses on psychology, specifically Carl Jung and the shadow self, as I’ve always been fascinated by how the brain works and why people behave the way they do.

What are you currently involved in here at Rugby (academically or outside the classroom), and what do you enjoy most about it? 

I’m involved in a range of academic societies and co-curricular activities, which is something I really value about Rugby. The Landor Society is one of my favourites because I get to hear teachers speak about their own passions within English beyond the curriculum, which makes the subject feel alive and personal. I’m also an active member of Feminist Society and Psychology Society, where I’ve given presentations on literature and psychology topics that interest me. Outside academics, I used to be a competitive dancer and performed multiple numbers at the Macready Dance Company showcase, including a self-choreographed solo, which was a really meaningful experience for me. I’m also an avid tennis player, a horse rider, part of the 1st team football squad, and I’m currently working towards Grade 7 LAMDA Public Speaking, which is something that has really helped me grow in confidence.

You are Chair of FemSoc this year - what motivated you to take on that role, and what are your aims for the society?

I first joined FemSoc when it was connected with Movember, and I noticed that some perspectives around feminism were quite narrow or based on misunderstandings. That made me realise how much stigma still exists around the subject, which became my main motivation for stepping into a leadership role. As Chair, I want to help educate people and show that equal rights are still relevant today, not just something from the past. At the same time, it has been an opportunity for me to develop my own leadership skills, organise meaningful discussions and create a space where people feel comfortable learning and challenging their views.

What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced during your time here at Rugby and how have you worked to overcome it?

The biggest challenge for me has been balancing everything while adjusting to a completely new environment. Moving into a new school in a new country meant adapting to new people, subjects, expectations and a much heavier workload all at once, while also preparing for SATs, A Levels, my EPQ, LAMDA and co-curricular commitments. At first it felt overwhelming, but I’ve learned that completing prep on the day it’s set helps me stay organised and prevents stress from building up. This routine allows me to stay productive while still giving myself time to rest, which has really improved both my efficiency and my mindset.

This year marks 50 years since girls joined Rugby School – an incredible milestone. As a current student, how do you feel being a part of this chapter in the School’s history? 

Being part of Rugby during the 50 years of girls celebration feels incredibly meaningful to me, especially because I’ve had the opportunity to work with Tim Day and speak to different figures about what Rugby used to be like before girls joined. Hearing their experiences made the change feel real rather than just something written in history, and it helped me understand how much courage and persistence it must have taken for that shift to happen.

It has made me reflect on the opportunities I have now and how they exist because of people who challenged expectations before us. For me, this milestone isn’t just about celebrating progress, it’s about recognising the responsibility we have to keep pushing conversations forward and making sure everyone feels represented. Being part of this moment has made me feel more connected to Rugby’s story and more motivated to contribute something meaningful to its future.

What advice would you give to the girls who are currently thinking about joining Rugby?

First, be open to trying things outside your comfort zone, because Rugby offers so many opportunities you might not expect to love. Second, don’t be afraid to get involved in societies or leadership roles early, they help you grow faster than you realise. And finally, remember that everyone arrives feeling unsure at first, but once you immerse yourself in the community, Rugby quickly becomes a place where you can really be yourself.

What have you learned about yourself during your time here so far?

I’ve learned that I’m far more independent than I realised and that I genuinely enjoy immersing myself deeply in different subjects and ideas - sometimes even a little too much. Being here has shown me that I thrive when I’m busy and challenged, especially when I’m learning about topics that genuinely interest me. I’ve also discovered that I’m more confident in sharing my opinions and taking initiative than I used to be.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future, and how do you feel Rugby is helping you prepare for them?

In the future, I hope to run my own company and pursue a career connected to psychology, public speaking, or advocacy, possibly even law. Leading FemSoc and managing multiple responsibilities has already helped me develop organisation, leadership and communication skills that feel essential for those goals. I’m also aiming to attend university in the United States, where I can combine academic ambition with opportunities to grow as a speaker and advocate for meaningful causes. Rugby is preparing me for this by pushing me to think independently, manage pressure and take initiative in everything I do.