In The Spotlight: Rajesh Paul

This month, Rajesh Paul (2014-19) is in the spotlight:  

Tell us about what you do now. Has your time at the school influenced your life today? 

Since leaving BMS I have graduated with a degree in Sports Therapy, and from there went on to become a Duty Manager at Robinson Pools and Fitness. Whilst working in the leisure industry it opened a lot of doors for working with the general public and helping out with community events. This led me on to becoming a retained Firefighter for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, with the hopes of one day becoming a wholetime Firefighter.  

My time at school definitely helped shape who I am today—especially in terms of discipline, teamwork, and communication. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those group projects, early morning rowing sessions, and encouragement from teachers all played a part in preparing me for the structure and camaraderie that’s essential in the fire service. It’s a demanding but rewarding role, and I’m proud to give back to the community in such a meaningful way. 

I’ve also recently just taken over (with the help of fellow OBM Joe Walker) the OBM rowing section from Mike Biggs, whom many of you know. It’s been an enjoyable and challenging task to coordinate OBMs across so many years, but it’s been great and it’s all because of the foundations that Mike set and the school help with.

Tell us about your time at BMS. Do you have any special memories you would like to share?  

My time at BMS was spent mainly at the river and the boathouse (more than my teachers and parents would’ve liked some days!). I rowed for the school from Years 9 to 13 and loved every minute of it! Looking back on it now, it was some of the best times I’ve had, with my friends on training camp, races, regattas and training sessions in general. There was just something about slogging it down the river after a long day with your friends, when you know everyone’s tired or got their own issues. You could put it aside and know the guy in front and behind you were giving it their all. It brought us all closer together. Admittedly, I could’ve tried harder academically as it wasn’t my strongest area of life, but I haven’t regretted anything and I haven’t looked back wishing I would’ve done something differently, which I think is the main thing.  

Who was someone from your time at BMS who had an impact on you and why? 

The staff at BMS were all amazing but special mentions must go to a few. Andy Jones was the most inspirational and caring teacher I’ve ever had. He would always strive to make us better designers and just decent people in general. If it wasn’t for him I don’t think I would have the ideas, the grit or determination to try and make the world better. Even though I’m not in design, it has helped me carry myself through life since leaving BMS. Another incredible and important person to me was Katherine Davies. Without her weekly meetings helping me organise my time, school work and social life, alongside attempting to be a ‘student athlete’ and rowing sometimes upwards of twenty hours a week, I wouldn’t be where I am right now, let alone finished sixth form.

What do you do like to do in your spare time? 

In my spare time I like to train at the gym, meet up with my friends and family, or go out exploring and trying something new with my girlfriend.  

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Some advice I would give to my younger self would be to just go with the flow, there isn’t a right or wrong way to do life. It’s your own personal experiences and what you choose to do with them that will eventually guide you to the path you’re meant to be on. Don’t dwell on things that are outside of your control and just live life every day to the max.  

Are there any other thoughts you would like to share with the OBM and BMS community?

The OBM community is something really special. Its help and support are second to none, especially with the sports side of it. I’m so grateful to be able to come back and get on a pitch or the river with my friends and have a laugh each year just like we used to when we were at BMS.