We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Old Downian Jon Nelson back to The Downs Malvern, accompanied by his wife, Susan, during a visit from their home in the United States.
Jon attended The Downs between 1964 and 1966, and his return, 60 years after leaving, prompted some moving reflections on his school days, the teachers who encouraged him and the experiences that helped shape his life.
Here, Jon shares his story in his own words.
Finding my feet at The Downs
I moved with my family from Naugatuck, a small industrial town in Connecticut, to the UK in 1960 when I was eight years old. England in the 1960s differed noticeably from the United States in terms of culture, environment, and education, and my two sisters and I found the transition demanding and enlightening, but full of excitement.
By the time I joined The Downs in 1964, I had already attended four schools. My third school, in Malvern Link, was a boarding institution where I was a day pupil. I struggled academically and my restlessness and excessive talking earned me a dubious label: the boy with the most canings. It was a different time!
Understandably, my parents were appalled when they discovered this and so arranged a move to a more suitable setting, selecting The Downs. I remember that to gain entry, I had to attend a ‘crammer’ school (not to be confused with a grammar school) in the Cotswolds to strengthen my academic habits and skills.
A lasting impression from my time at The Downs was the broad kindness and care provided by the entire organisation; the teachers always looked for ways to support pupils and encourage learning with a positive tone.
Discovering new interests
Although my academic progress improved, I recall fondly the hobbies and extracurricular activities. Art, pottery, woodworking, drama and music helped me to realise that I could enjoy school and excel.
Music was very important to me and Mr John Melvin, the music teacher, supported my singing and choir participation. He also made a dedicated effort to provide musical instruction through clarinet lessons to help my singing.
Drama offered another avenue for growth. Mr Anthony Wood-Corfield, an inspiring staff member and drama teacher, cast me as Lord Arthur Savile in the school’s production of Oscar Wilde’s Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime.
The effort was demanding but deeply gratifying, and I overcame my stage fright and worked with the other boys to perform as well as we could. My family attended the production and were amazed by my performance!
Life after The Downs
My family and I returned to the United States in 1966, where I finished eighth grade and High School in Fairfield, Connecticut. After graduation, I attended the University of Vermont and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Computer Science.
Later, I was lucky to meet my wife, Susan, in Rochester, New York. We moved to New Jersey, where I joined the Information Technology division of Mars, Inc
I was involved in technical and leadership roles there; it was both challenging and rewarding and, in time, I was assigned to our Canadian business before returning to the States. I was fortunate to have had opportunities to collaborate with and manage associates across Europe, Russia, China and Brazil, and my international background proved a real asset.
However, the most meaningful result of my career has been the chance to enjoy and support a strong marriage and raise three remarkable sons.
Returning to The Downs
Returning to The Downs after many years brought back positive memories, some bittersweet.
Those memories reminded me how my time at the school built resilience, self-esteem, and the capacity for demanding, productive work in me.
Although I encountered academic challenges at The Downs, these strengths emerged later and helped enable my success.
If my story offers any lessons for the pupils of The Downs Malvern today who may be struggling, it might be this: if school feels difficult for you now, keep going, stay curious and keep seeking new interests; you may be a late bloomer like me and find a passion that will guide you for the rest of your life.
Jon E Nelson, Old Downian (1964–1966)
If you are a former pupil and would like to discover how you can connect with The Downs Malvern, please click here.