TV News Correspondent
Class of 1994
English Literature/Film and TV Production
If you studied your undergraduate programme at York St John University or founder colleges, did you go on to postgraduate study?
No
Why have you chosen this photo as your YSJ snapshot?
Reporting from the Oscars red carpet in Hollywood for Channel 5 News. A pinch yourself moment and one that would never have happened without all the seeds being sown during those great years making films and documentaries at St John’s.
What are your fondest memories of York St John University?
My fondest memories don’t seem so far away, despite the passing of the years. They’re the big, glorious group of life long friends I made at St John’s and am still in touch with. As for the studying? It was a riot, waking up every day genuinely excited about learning and experimenting in the St John’s TV studio and edit suites. Everything else is private!
Why did you choose York St John University or founder colleges?
It’s a very long time ago! But I definitely remember being so impressed with how ‘hands on’ the course was going to be, compared to other universities I had visited. The facilities were great and the size of the place suited me. The atmosphere drew me in. I instantly fell in love with York itself too and have lived on and off in the city now for most of my life.
What have you been doing since completing your studies?
I got my break in TV News as a runner while still at St John’s, so needed permission to finish my final year early to move to London and join the working world. My time at St John’s and the course projects and work experience I’d done was central to securing me that first job. I didn’t have a long term plan but somehow, almost 30 years later, I’m still working in the industry and still loving it.
What one piece of advice would you give to a current student, or one about to graduate?
The self help books and motivational speakers are right. Who knew? It may seem like a cliché but happiness, success and fulfilment really are all about believing in what you want and what you can do. Just don’t hold back. Don’t break any laws! But don’t hold back.