The value derived from being part of Mensa is unique to each person. We speak to Laura Herlihy, a private tutor based in east Cheshire, about her journey to joining Mensa, her role as Regional Officer for Mensa’s north-west region, and what she values most about being a member.

Why did you decide to take the supervised IQ test?

I took the online test during lockdown – I’d found my way onto the Mensa website via a link from another site and I completed the 18-question “Test Yourself” quiz. I got them all correct, and it was recommended I take the supervised test. When lockdown eased, I mainly went because it was something to get me out of the house and I was curious about how well I’d do. I didn’t expect to score highly enough to get into Mensa, so it was a pleasant surprise when I did.

What were your reasons for accepting the invitation to join Mensa? 

I’d moved back from teaching overseas in 2018, but I’d struggled to make friends and find community in my new location, and my therapist had suggested I try and reach out to people similar to me and who had similar interest – I thought why not try it for a while and see what happens? After lockdown finished, I attended my first event – BMAG [British Mensa Annual Gathering] in Manchester – and I’ve never looked back.

What do you value most about being a Mensa member? 

I’ve made an incredible friendship group and feel like I finally belong somewhere. People understand me like never before and I feel I can truly be myself, without judgement. I’ve met a lot of members of all ages, who have similar stories to mine – difficulty finding friends, difficulty being understood, difficulties in academia – and it’s so reassuring to know I’m not alone.

I also have had the wonderful opportunity of volunteering within Mensa, and this really helped me deal with the isolation and anxiety that had crept in over lockdown and helped my self-confidence at a really difficult time of my life.

As Regional Officer for Mensa’s north-west region, a volunteer role, I coordinate and run a variety of events, including geocaching, a monthly quiz, a book club and an online Escape Room – which we get quite a few people taking part in. I also encourage others to run events, and I contribute to the regional newsletter.

What other benefits has it brought to your life?

I have better relationships, better support, and a better connection to others than I have ever experienced. Being part of Mensa has allowed me to see myself in a more positive light and to make some really important decisions about my future. I believe in myself and feel confident that I’m making a contribution to the community. The annual gathering, BMAG, which I went to in Southampton last year, is amazing. And I’m excited about all the things that are coming up in the future.

What would you say to those considering taking the test but who feel nervous?

I think it’s totally natural to be nervous about it. I don’t think I told anyone I was doing it, but if you keep an open mind and use it as more of a self-discovery exercise, then hopefully that should calm your nerves. Also, many people have never done a test like this before, and it can be daunting, but I’d say give it a go – you might surprise yourself.

Would you encourage others to join?

Definitely give it a go. We have so much to offer as an organisation, and, as we are right in the middle of a big overhaul of the way we operate, now is the best time to join and see how Mensa will operate for the future. You can get involved in events and join Special Interest Groups. There is so much support and, really, it is what you make it.

Find out more about the benefits of joining British Mensa at mensa.org.uk and begin your journey here.