Class of 1987
Language Studies with Education & Community Studies
If you studied your undergraduate programme at York St John University or founder colleges, did you go on to postgraduate study?
Yes, somewhere else.
Why have you chosen this photo as your YSJ snapshot?
One of the photos is of me and my best friend at St John’s, we were housemates. The other is a more recent one taken in France where I now live.
What are your fondest memories of York St John University?
I was a mature student and very nervous about returning to study. St John’s was so supportive and gave me the chance to fulfill the potential I knew I had inside me.
Why did you choose York St John University or founder colleges?
I chose the college as I lived in York and needed a local institution. I chose the course as I had done language A levels several years earlier and wanted to explore language without the accompanying literature which I hadn’t enjoyed studying at school. I had young children and was really fascinated by their journey in learning to talk.
What have you been doing since completing your studies?
I followed on from my studies with a research assistant post at York University, then did a postgrad course in Careers Counselling at Huddersfield University. I was inspired to do this by the St John’s careers adviser Val Butcher. I worked as a careers adviser for a few years before moving into admin management at Oxford Brookes University.
What one piece of advice would you give to a current student, or one about to graduate?
Think carefully about your next step. Leaving the St John’s family is a huge transition in your life and you will miss it terribly. Make the most of your time there!