Elisia Brodeur (Robinson)

Elisia, you were at Claremont Fan Court from 1984 to 1991. What are your stand-out memories of your time here?

I have so many memories from my time at Claremont, both mischievous and meaningful. Amusingly, most seem to be about when my friends and I got into trouble with houseparents. As boarders, we got up to all sorts—from climbing on top of wardrobes to jump onto beds to staying up way past lights out to sneaking out of bounds and off campus. . . We were a handful and broke so many rules! Other memories are of outings—dances at Hatchford Park School, ice skating in Kingston, and a day at the beach in Margate. I also fondly remember performing in school plays and the boarders’ talent show. Then there were trips I’ll never forget—the Lake District in Upper III for outward bound and the field trip to Belgium to see the trenches and Flanders Fields. On a lighter note, I fondly recall going to the BBC recording studios with the choir to tape episodes of “Singing Together,” a national sing-along program for schools. Another highlight was singing “Nights in White Satin” with the Moody Blues at a charity concert attended by Princess Anne. I remember feeling so proud on stage in my uniform with my socks pulled way up to my knees!

Whilst you were a pupil here, did you know what you wanted to do as a future career?

No. All I knew was that I wanted to help people in some way. After a gap year and then three years in uni, I ended up with a BA in Communications Processes. None the wiser about “what I wanted to be when I grew up,” I subsequently agreed to a short-term nanny job in the US.

You’re currently living in Southeast Asia. What brought you there?

The short-ish version is that the nanny job led to a publishing job that eventually led to meeting my husband, Kevin, who was a teacher at a small private school in Massachusetts. After buying a house and having two children, we found ourselves struggling to make ends meet. So in 2016, we picked up sticks and moved halfway around the world to work at an international school in Thailand. It was a great move for us and our boys. After five years of adventures and travel, we were ready for somewhere new and ultimately chose Saigon South International School, in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, where we’ve been since 2021. Our boys, Duncan and Tobin, have also loved our overseas experiences, so much so that Duncan is planning to be a long-haul commercial pilot. In what feels like coming full circle, he’s just begun an Aviation Management degree—in the UK!

What have been your career highlights to date?

The publishing company I worked for produced a huge range of educational materials, from comprehensive reading programs to after-school activities for nonprofits. Some highlights were editing materials for ‘Time Life’, ‘Sesame Street Workshop’, and ‘Facing History’. I’ve also been a calligrapher, a life coach, and a small business owner. At both the school in Thailand and now here, I’ve been able to put my love of words to use as the Communications Officer. I credit Claremont for my vocabulary and grammar skills!

What’s next for you? Are there any career milestones you would love to hit?

I’ve never been focused on a career, as such. I’ve enjoyed many elements of each job and have honed various skills along the way. As cheesy as it may sound, my markers of success tend to be measured by my involvement in whatever community I’m in and in raising kind, considerate kids.

In such an ever-changing world, what advice would you give soon-to-be Claremont Fan Court alumni considering a career abroad or in an international school?

I’d tell them that you don’t have to have it all figured out. Be on the lookout for opportunities and say yes to experiences that might not be what you were expecting. Make connections and try to get some experience under your belt—even if it’s not a dream job. Don’t be shy to ask for help—people typically love to help! In your first job, and in every job after that, find a good mentor. And always keep learning, formally and informally.

What advice would you give your sixteen-year-old self?

• Savor life’s pleasures: travel, downtime, and sunsets.
• Most decisions aren’t permanent. Give things a fair chance, but don’t be afraid to change course.
• Figure out and prioritize your values; they’ll guide you through life’s twists and turns.
• There can be so much pressure to succeed and “do well” but don’t forget that there’s even more reward in figuring out what lights you up, what your gifts are, and what your path looks like. I can virtually guarantee that it won’t be exactly how you picture it now!
• Above all else, cherish your friendships, create lasting memories, and learn to laugh at life’s absurdities.