Former teacher Briony Williams motivates students to own their differences and continue to try at things

Speaking about ableism and just giving things a go, Briony Williams motivated our Sixth Formers this week.

Briony did not think she would ever be able to star on Bake Off, but after being encouraged by her friends to enter; her journey into the world of Bake Off and television began.

Surprising herself round by round, she was chosen to enter the tent, although she was little bit stunted when she was asked if it would be okay if she was labeled “The Disabled Baker”. Briony opened up about the fact that when she was younger, being disabled was seen as a negative thing and thus something she did not want to associate herself with. In turn, she decided no, she did not want to be labeled as this and instead wanted to be labeled as “A Baker” just like the other bakers who were entering the tent.

However, as the series went on, Briony found herself receiving messages on social media from others with her condition known as Symbrachydactyly. Viewers were reaching out and thanking her for representing them on television and showing them that they are just as capable as those with two hands. Briony began to see the positives of being open and owning her disability, she went from being ashamed of it, to being proud of it. Seeing how positive it was to have representation on everyday television, Briony realised how important it was for her to take ownership of it. From this she has become an ambassador for Reach, a charity which focuses on ensuring children with upper body limb differences are able to have the same opportunities as those without differences.

Her journey throughout Bake Off, and progression to the semifinals, demonstrated to herself and the pupils whom she was addressing this week the importance of trying. Briony did not think she would be selected for Bake off, let alone advance to the semifinals, if she hadn’t given it a go she would not be where she is today.

Briony began baking whilst she was poorly during her time teaching MFL at QEH between 2010-2016. Baking was suggested to her by a fellow member of staff and Briony fell in love with it and discovered that baking was to be her therapy. Her first bake and favourite bake is a chocolate orange cake.

She has since gone on to star in Would I lie to you, Food Unwrapped, and the Marvel Superhero Series.

Despite surprising herself, Briony now sees the importance of continuing to try at things even if you don’t think that you will get anywhere, and the positives of owning your differences.

A huge thank you to Briony for coming in to QEH to motivate our Sixth Formers. You can follow Briony on her journey on Instagram and Twitter @brionymaybakes, and watch her present on Escape to the Country!