Class of 2007
Theatre, Film and Television
IF YOU STUDIED YOUR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME AT YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES, DID YOU GO ON TO POSTGRADUATE STUDY?
Yes, somewhere else
JOB:
Editor/publisher – Soundsphere Magazine
WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN THIS PHOTO AS YOUR YSJ SNAPSHOT?
This was a transformative period for me. As someone with Cerebral Palsy I didn’t believe I would be able to travel a lot when I was younger. As part of YSJ, I was able to travel on international exchange to Keene State College, and from there, I went to believe that I could travel the world, and then I did as part of Soundsphere magazine, minus all the make-up this time!
I think that period (my whole time at YSJ, really) helped me grow my confidence, and made me realise what I was capable of.
There’s also a photo of me laying on the floor in the theatre, while we were rehearsing for a production! Good times!
There’s also a brand new one for you!
WHAT ARE YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES OF YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY?
I think the international exchange, but the friends I made, most of whom I am still in touch with today. The great teachers (including Rob Edgar who is still there in some capacity). Again, the whole experience helped me to push myself, and learn that I needed to create opportunities for myself to thrive wherever possible, and find workarounds, to make things happen.
I think also, working out of The Phoenix Centre when that was at YSJ was a real highlight!
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES?
It was an hour from home, but also far enough that I had to push myself to be independent. Also, it had, and still has a great reputation for producing great creatives who have thrived within the arts and entertainment industry, around the UK and beyond.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE COMPLETING YOUR STUDIES?
I have founded Soundsphere magazine, had the honour of working all over the world, become a qualified mental health counsellor, toured the world in a band…all stuff I dreamed of doing when I was at YSJ, and before. I don’t think I would have had that self-belief or drive, without the people that I met while at YSJ who pushed me to be better (in a supportive way), but also believed in me, and frequently reassured me that I could do the things I wanted to do, but that, the path might look a little different!
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPECIFIC COURSE?
Great local and regional access to TV and film opportunities.
WHAT WERE THE BEST FEATUIRES OF YOUR COURSE?
The teachers, who taught me to think like an entrepreneur, and create opportunties! Also, the trips we went on. The industry-wide opportunities that were afforded to us in terms of placements!
WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A CURRENT STUDENT, OR ONE ABOUT TO GRADUATE?
Be good at your chosen field, don’t be a dick. Those two things will carry you far, in my experience any way. Have the skills to do the job well, and be nice, and supportive of others wherever possible – lift people up whenever you can, because they will help you too.
You may have to find workarounds to get to where you want to be – the path may not be simple, and it may not be how you originally thought it was going to be, but you can absolutely get there. Follow those two rules mentioned above – that’s a great start, I think đŸ™‚
Listen to Dom chat about his time at York St John and his amazing career so far: