Five Minutes of Fame with Lynne Millar

Director of Student Support Services and Educational Psychologist, Lynne Millar

1. Where else in the world have you lived?

I spent periods of time living in Australia when my sister lived there, and I was studying for my undergraduate degree.  Since then, I have worked and lived in my home country, Scotland.

2. Tell us about your family.

My Mum and Dad, Brother, and Sister all live in Scotland.  I have three nephews and three nieces.  I absolutely love being their Auntie Lala.  They still call me this since giving me the name when they were young and unable to pronounce the 'L' for Lynne. Unusually, my sister has two sets of twins (non-identical). They are 18-months apart, so she really helped me to have a very hands-on role as an Auntie!

3. What is your favourite weekend activity in Singapore?

I really love to go for long walks at the weekend, followed by trying out a new place for food. My favourite walk is along the PCN at Punggol. If we have enough energy left, we finish with a visit to Coney Island.

4. Did you always want to be a psychologist?

I remember telling my guidance teacher in my first year that I wanted to be a psychologist, and nothing has changed my mind since then! I am incredibly grateful to have a job that I love.

5. What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

My favourite book is A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. I am not sure that I have a favourite author as I like to keep trying books by new authors and there are so many to choose from.

6. Tell us about a hidden talent or a top-secret that no one would know about you.

I was the hula-hoop champion at our local Sports Centre until the age of 12. The biggest prize I received was a new pair of swimming goggles!

7. Which five people would you invite to a dinner party, dead or alive?

Since it is COVID-19 times, can I say my family? My Mum, Dad, Brother, Sister and my lovely Gran who we lost when I was 16. We would make outrageous hats together for any occasion and no matter how silly, she would wear it for the entire time. P.s. no offence to my in-laws and the kids!

8. What does a typical day at the College look like for you?

One of the things that I love most about my job is that every day is different. I can be working in any of the three schools with colleagues from Counselling, Learning Support or English as an Additional Language doing a variety of tasks. In Student Support, it is also typical for something unplanned to happen during the day as well. It is never boring!

9. Do you have a motto or saying that really resonates with you?

Life is fluid. No matter what may be happening, change will come along.

10. Do you have a most memorable psychologist moment?

I was a new psychologist observing in a nursery when a 3-year-old approached me and asked me to help her find her friend Sarah. Without thinking I asked her "what does Sarah look like?". She looked at me a little confused and indignant, "like me" she replied. Such a great reminder to always consider the person that is asking you a question and their perspective and understanding.

11. What would you like your legacy to be?

That student support is essential to every education system.