What Keble Taught Me | Susan Mepham
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Susan Mepham, née Pettler, has been teaching in the State sector for the last 41 years, and, in 1979, was part of the first cohort of women to join Keble.
Susan Mepham (1979 Modern Languages) writes:
I love and have always loved learning languages. I was fortunate to have inspirational French and German teachers at my state school in Hartlepool who they suggested doing the Oxford entrance exam before my A-levels. I was shocked (understatement!) and fairly ignorant about Oxford as a university experience. These two teachers had motivated me, educated me and enhanced my love of languages but, more importantly, they believed in me and taught me to always aim high and challenge myself, a mantra which I have always followed.
In October 1979, I was one of 26 female undergraduates, and the first female to gain a joint honours degree in French and German. I had the honour of being taught by Dr Denys Potts (French) and Dr Richard Green (German). One-to-one tutorials and working in small groups was a privilege, but sometimes daunting, as my work and thoughts were constantly challenged and extended, and opinions had to be explained and justified at the highest level.
We women were ready to demonstrate that we were more than worthy and capable of thriving in a male-dominated environment: we formed a women’s rowing team. I had never rowed previously and fielded two boats in 1980. We were reluctantly given a boat nicknamed “the tub” and trained/rowed vigorously. I joined the College Choir, sang at Evensong and listened to Dr Geoffrey Rowell’s sermons.
I have had the privilege of being a successful state school teacher for 41 years in French and German, later on adding Spanish to the mix; firstly as a Head of Department and then as a Head of Subject. I am proud to have attended Keble College and to have acquired such a first-class education. I am also grateful that this experience has increased my resilience and taught me always to aim high and to never not believe in myself. I have educated, trained, mentored and inspired many colleagues and students over my professional career, but I’ve always actively chosen to remain in the state school sector. I have always urged my students — and my three children — to persevere and be determined to face all or any challenges. Keble College has been, and continues to be, an important part of my life journey.
