From Participant to Ambassador: Giving Back to the Next Generation

One of the most rewarding aspects of Pathways to Property is seeing former participants return to support future cohorts. This year, several ambassadors shared their reflections on how the programme helped shape their journeys and why they chose to give back. From attending the Summer School as students to becoming mentors, ambassadors and industry professionals, their stories highlight the lasting impact of Pathways to Property and the power of creating opportunities for others.

Tiannah Rock-Lynch, BSc Real Estate Student 

“Two years after attending the Pathways to Property Summer school in 2024, last week I had the privilege of returning as a Student Ambassador. It was a genuine full-circle moment and an opportunity to reflect on where my passion for real estate really began.

Seeing familiar industry faces from my time as an attendee and working alongside those who were ambassadors when I first attended, made the experience even more special. It was inspiring to see the impact the programme continues to have and the growing community it has built.

What I found most rewarding was having the opportunity to support this year's cohort throughout the week. Watching their confidence grow, hearing their ideas, and seeing their enthusiasm for the industry reminded me so much of my own experience in 2024. I hope I was able to encourage them in the same way that I was encouraged then.

The week was filled with insightful sessions, engaging conversations, and the chance to meet so many talented people. A huge thank to everyone who helped make the programme such a success, and especially to Pathways to Property for their continued dedication to creating opportunities that inspire the next generation of property professionals and quite literally shape lives!

I would like to say well done to every student who stepped outside their comfort zone and took part. I hope they enjoyed the experience as much as I did two years ago and I can’t wait to see where their journeys take them next!” 

Mary Melindji, BSc Quantity Surveying

"I am Mary Melindji and I’m about to begin the next chapter of my career as a Cost Manager at Hollis.

I first heard about Pathways through my school newsletter in Year 12 and decided to apply, not knowing how much it would shape my future. After attending the summer school, I knew I wanted to work in real estate. I applied to five universities and received offers, but A-level results day took an unexpected turn, leading me to explore different routes into the built environment. That’s how I discovered Quantity Surveying not the path I had planned, but one I’m incredibly grateful to have taken.

Throughout my degree, the Pathways Team encouraged me to stay involved with Pathways as an ambassador. In 2024, I supported insight days and the summer school, and in 2025 I became a Lead Ambassador and joined the Pathways Board as the student voice. Having the opportunity to contribute to the programme and knowing my opinions were genuinely listened to meant more than I can put into words.

The highlight has always been working with the students. Watching them grow in confidence over the course of the week during the summer school is incredibly rewarding. Many arrive unsure of themselves or uncertain about what they want to do, but by the end they’re working together, presenting their ideas with confidence, and asking thoughtful questions about careers they may never have considered before. Seeing that transformation each year has been one of the most fulfilling parts of being an ambassador.

As this 2026 Summer School has been my final year as an ambassador as I approach graduation, it’s given me the chance to reflect on everything Pathways has given me. It taught me that things don’t always go to plan, and that’s okay. I’ve loved helping students discover their own interests while showing them that an unexpected path can still lead to a career they’re passionate about. The experiences, industry insight and relationships I’ve built through the programme have had a lasting impact on both my personal and professional journey.

If you’re a Year 12 student considering applying, my advice is simple: do it. You never know where it could lead, and the people you meet along the way may shape your future in ways you never expected.

Finally, I’d like to thank the entire Pathways team, especially Tom Woolmer and Helen Griggs as well as Reading Real Estate Foundation, my sponsors from the WCCS; Colliers and Hollis, and everyone who supports the programme. Thank you for believing in me and investing in my future. The opportunities you’ve given me have genuinely changed my life, and I’ll always be grateful to have been part of the Pathways family."