Class of 2017
BA Hons English Literature
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?
This photo is from when I was invited to work with the International Booker Prize in 2023 as a result of my love of literature which I studied at university.
WHAT ARE YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES OF YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY?
Meeting friends for life and also discovering literature that completely changed the direction of my life. I read things which changed the way I viewed the world and made me realise what I want to focus on in my creative career and what makes me happy. Also the consistent and enthusiastic support from tutors who recognised when I was excited about certain literatures and helped to nurture this.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES?
I loved the size of the university and how it felt intimate and as though I would have a close relationship with the tutors and those on the course, and that I was being seen as a person and my personal interests were being recognised. Also the city is beautiful and inspiring.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE COMPLETING YOUR STUDIES?
I have done a Master’s degree in American Literature at the University of Sheffield. I have also moved into content creation and book reviewing and I am active in the bookstagram and TikTok community where I get to work with publishers and book companies to review and promote upcoming titles. I have discovered my specialism in Latin American literature and been able to look into doing a PhD on this topic.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPECIFIC COURSE?
I have known all my life that literature was my passion and there was never any doubt I would want to study books at university.
WHAT WERE THE BEST FEATURES OF YOUR COURSE?
Going to Stratford to watch Shakespeare plays and study them, going to the Lake District during our romantic period module and getting to see Wordsworth grave and what inspired them. Getting to write a dissertation about a topic you adore and pour your heart and passion into your writing. Getting to use my degree to help my content creation and share the passion for my course online.
WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A CURRENT STUDENT, OR ONE ABOUT TO GRADUATE?
Never been afraid to argue your opinion and remember that you are a valid critic. Always write about what you are passionate about and that you feel you have something to say about – whether it be good or bad, as this will produce the most compelling writing. Don’t compare yourself to others and always follow where you feel your heart belongs as this is where you will thrive.