To celebrate International Women's Day, we decided to create a spotlight series on some inspirational women in our ON community. Next up is Alice-Lily Nnene who is a 4th year medical student as well as a music artist!

What are you doing now for work?

I am currently in my 4th year of medical school at University College London (UCL). I am on placement, going into hospital most days, to learn first hand what the work of a junior doctor entails! Alongside this, I am also a music artist - I write and release music as well as performing in different venues around the country.

What does a typical day entail?

It varies! A typical ‘med day’ entails getting to the hospital at around 8:45am to join the doctors, clerk patients and attend tutorials throughout the day. Evenings tend to be reserved for revision and catching up on admin. During last summer (2024), I used my time to work on my first musical body of work. A typical ‘music day’ during this period looked like travelling to my producer’s studio in London for a morning session, tracking vocals and making edits. This would be followed by music admin for upcoming gigs in the afternoon and a live music jam in Shoreditch with friends in the evening.

How have you got to where you are today?

Persistence, planning and support from both family and friends. Underpinning everything though is my Christian faith which guides everything I do.

Who is your inspirational figure?

Both of my parents inspire me so much with their love for life and passion for everything that they do - I can’t pick just one!

What was your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Although there are many fond memories, Repton winning Partsong with a rendition of Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran back in 2015 comes out on top.

What makes Norwich School special to you?

The care that teachers and staff have for pupils which stretches even beyond your time at school. Plus, being in Cathedral Close, itself. Starting every morning with a hymn was very special indeed and walking through the Close or sitting on the green during sunny afternoons is something I miss - especially having been in a very built-up central London over the past few years!

How do you think NS helped you get where you are today?

Norwich School allowed me to explore different interests that I had. Whether it was representing the school at a national hockey final, singing in choir at a care home or helping younger students in maths clinics, I felt empowered to pursue all that I enjoyed. So much so that I was able to start a gospel choir in my L6th year. All the skills that I learnt along the way, teamwork, leadership, communication and time management, were all cultivated throughout my time at school.

What is your best bit of advice to current pupils and ONs?

To current pupils specifically: School is a safe place to try and explore different interests both inside and outside the classroom - that’s how you grow in many ways: confidence, ability, curiosity to name a few. Try to make the most of your time at a school that makes so many different opportunities available to you.



I would say my best advice for whatever stage of life you find yourself in is this: my overarching philosophy, although it can be hard at times, is to really take things one step at a time, with a good support network in place. Pace and people! Try your best to surround yourself with people who will encourage and challenge you and help you along your journey - whatever it may be! And although it’s hard in a culture that can often focus on results alone, slow and steady really does win the race.