Goodbye, Mrs De La Torre

What are your earliest memories of the college? “I started teaching at Eastbourne College when I was 22, so I remember thinking that the Sixth Form boys were extremely tall! Everyone was really welcoming, and Mrs Tripp was my mentor– she looked after me from day one!”

“Oh that’s quite a dangerous question isn't it! There are some that are infamous, as well as some that are more memorable” Are there any really memorable pupils?

Do you stay in contact with any of them?

“Do you know what, I am the worse person to stay in contact with anybody, so not so much!”

“The UNIFORM! That was a shocker. I actually quite like it, though, it took me a while to get used to! Saturdays are now lovely too. I've been swimming once; I think I did 5 lengths!” What is the biggest change you have seen at the college since you started?

What made you go for the job?

“As soon as I arrived at the school, I loved the community feel of the school! I like feeling like I make a difference in the students’ life choices and helping them through their ups and downs. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for people who like people!”

Don’t take things to heart! People say lots of things when they are emotional and stressed out. It’s ok to cry but don’t cry too often… If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice what would it be?

What is the most scandalous thing that has happened while you have been here?

“I did learn that one of the U6, who was in School House at the time, got a takeaway delivered through her window. She was on the ground floor so the delivery man would just turn up and post it through her window! “

“Well, this is my 13th year at the college and since then I got married and I had my children who used to come to evening duties with me in their sling! They’ve grown up here and so there are so many!” What memories will you take away with you?

Which of the house events are your favourite?

“I enjoy having done house review, but it’s always very stressful. From doing dances to the biathlon, tutor videos were always the best. “

Arnold was very special for its time! Then the lovely thing was we were able to merge the two together, so they became the same thing – therefore it’s Blackwater isn’t it!! Blackwater or Arnold?