LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP (Teacher, drug smuggler, convict, graduate) Sandra Gregory “Sandra Gregory has a story to tell.  It is the story of an ordeal that would have broken most people and came close to breaking her.  Its redeeming features are her courage and resilience, and the love and loyalty of her family” Martin Bell OBE This is the story of an ordinary young lady who has survived an extraordinary experience.  Five years on from being pardoned by the King of Thailand, Sandra continues to invest immense time and energy into carrying her message to schools and colleges throughout the UK.  She has held on to a sharp awareness that the freedom she has today was a gift - one to be cherished, appreciated and that may be used to enrich the lives of others.   Sandra has captured the hearts of thousands of young people and her story carries a crucial word of warning and message of caution.  However, in addition, the energy and frankness with which it is delivered is refreshing and awe-inspiring. If as yet your pupils have not heard Sandra talk then they have been missing out on something quite special.  She shares with her audience the high-risk life style before her arrest, her time in prison, the people she knew, and how things are for her today. Sandra believes vehemently that it is essential not to glamorise her story and the simple message she sends to young people is "This is what happened to me. If you think enough of yourself, you will protect yourself from travelling a similar path." With the current popularity of Gap Years and the teenage fashion for travel, Sandra gives a new perspective on overstepping cultural boundaries and realising the potential cost. When Sandra visits a school, the effect is such that she is generally invited to return.  Listening to her speak is both a humbling and eye-opening experience.  On hearing her talk your students will have their horizons broadened and may be inspired to think twice about where their actions could lead them.  Plenty of time is made available for questions from the audience and this section adds enormously to the flavour of the session.