From Farnborough Hill to CNN Anchor: Christina Macfarlane's Journey of Purpose and Pivots

We were delighted to welcome alumna, Christina Macfarlane to present the prizes at Senior Prize Giving on Friday 27 June 2025.

Christina, now a prominent CNN International Anchor with a decade of experience as a sports correspondent, shared her remarkable journey since leaving Farnborough Hill in 2001.  Her speech, delivered after a beautiful performance from the Senior Choir, took Christina back to her own school days at Farnborough Hill – a connection she shares with her family, as both her sister and mother are also part of our Farnborough Hill alumna.

During her time at school, Christina was single-mindedly focused on reaching the Olympics as an athlete and she humorously recalled captaining Olympic Gold Hockey medallist, Alex Danson, on the School’s Hockey team. While she went on to study English and American Literature at the University of Wales and even trialled successfully for the Welsh National Rowing team, she didn't make the England Hockey team. It was at this point, Christina emphasised, that she learned the crucial importance of pivoting. If she couldn't make it to the Olympics as an athlete, she was determined to be there as a sports journalist. She offered another example of a successful pivot from within her own family: her sister. After leaving Farnborough Hill, her sister pursued Sciences with the aim of becoming a doctor and completing a medical degree. Halfway through, she decided instead to become a lawyer and today, is a leading medical lawyer, loving her profession. Christina reiterated the importance of embracing these pivots in your career and focusing on your goals.

This determination led her to an internship at CNN at the age of 25. From there, she diligently worked her way up through the ranks, becoming a Producer, Reporter, Correspondent, and finally, an Anchor. In a full-circle moment, the very year she was made an Anchor at CNN, she was sent to cover her first Olympic Games in Rio where she witnessed Alex Danson and her team win their first Olympic Gold medal. Christina vividly recounted standing in the press box after the victory, hoping Alex would spot her. Alex did, running over, waving her gold medal, and embracing Christina with the memorable words: "We've come a long way from the playing fields at Farnborough Hill."

Having been a CNN Anchor since 2020, Christina provided a powerful glimpse into the reality of being a true journalist. It means spending weeks fact-checking a story in Gaza before publication. It means being on the ground in Zaporizhzhia, diligently seeking evidence of war crimes. It means, as her colleague is currently, being in Tehran to speak directly with the Iranian people about the prospect of war. It's about being truthful, not neutral. In a generous gesture, she offered her time to anyone interested in pursuing a career in journalism, a career she is passionate about, and a career often misrepresented in the age of social media, AI and a complex political climate. She assured the girls that no matter how news evolves or on what platform it's consumed, there will always be a need for journalists.

Christina shared three invaluable pieces of advice and traits that she believes helped her transition from Intern to Anchor. Words that clearly be of benefit to any of our girls both now and in life beyond Farnborough Hill:

1. Feeling the fear and doing it anyway: Christina highlighted that self-belief is a superpower for women. She stressed that we often know we are qualified and deserve to be in a particular position. Our role in life, she asserted, is to confidently declare, "I can and I will."
2. Take the initiative: she urged the girls to be proactive, alert and always aware of expectations. Having that report ready, those statistics at hand, or that great idea before being asked for it, she explained, will get you noticed and help you get ahead.
3. Go about your work with kindness: Christina firmly believes that a "dog-eat-dog" work environment signals a problem. It is entirely possible, she emphasised, to be kind, empathetic and still succeed in life.

It is these very traits, Christina believes, that led her to become an award-winning news Anchor. Her compassionate and kind approach as well as thorough preparation for an interview with Roger Federer saw him opening up and sharing things he had never revealed before.

Christina cautioned against being swayed by what you see on social media, or by the perceived achievements of others. "It's the small, unglamorous steps that will set you up for success," she stated, "the consistency, the repetition, the work you do when no-one is looking." For this consistent effort, she stressed, you must truly love what you do. She encouraged our leavers to find a profession that speaks to their heart, offers fulfilment, and provides purpose. It's not about changing the world but about finding something that feels like an extension of who you are.

Finally, Christina spoke about the profound role of faith in her life. As a Catholic, faith has always been central to her and her family, a foundation strengthened during her time at Farnborough Hill. It has taught her to act on what she knows to be true, right and just. It has instilled in her a deep sense of inclusivity for all people, regardless of their religion, culture or beliefs. Ultimately, it has provided her with an inner peace during challenging moments. She encouraged the girls not to be afraid to tap into these values when they may need them in the future. Christina concluded by wishing all the girls the very best of luck in their future endeavours.