Wisdom at 16 - A Conversation with Grace

Knowing You with Sarah Cripps

This episode was a little experiment in format and what a brilliant one it turned out to be. I sat down with my youngest ever guest, Grace who, at just 16 years old, brings a clarity of purpose, a deep sense of values, and a grounded wisdom far beyond what anyone might expect from her age.

Grace joined my day job Salad Skills after completing work experience with us at just 15. From day one, she's shown all the signs of a future high achiever committed, curious, hardworking. But what truly sets her apart is her moral compass. Slice her in half like a stick of seaside rock and you'll find values running right the way through. She has an innate desire to do good, be good, and make choices that feel right.

In this conversation, Grace reflects on the people who shaped her - proof that one good adult can change everything.✨ Her reception teacher, who visited her nursery to introduce herself, making that early transition feel safe, calm, and exciting.✨ Her inspiring English teacher, Mr Rose, whose quiet encouragement helped her build self-belief, the skill she says has been her biggest learning curve so far.

Grace also shares insights on growing up, learning to trust herself, and embracing the person she's becoming. And just in case you're imagining the world's most flawless teenager… don't worry. She's totally relatable too - her one big wish is for her parents to stop nagging her about the state of her bedroom!

This warm, thoughtful, and uplifting chat is a reminder that young people have so much to offer; wisdom, perspective, resilience, and hope. And sometimes, they teach us more than we teach them.