Class of 2020: Hannah Petch
Finishing university is a difficult time for any student. Our alumni usually continue with further study, go travelling, or find job opportunities. However, finishing university during Covid-19 has left the Class of 2020 with a very different experience of finishing their degrees. In our Class of 2020 series, recent alumni discuss the impact of Covid-19 on their studies and future plans.
HANNAH PETCH BIO
From South London, Hannah Petch attended York St John University to study Creative Writing, achieving a First Class degree, with Honours. Whilst at university, Hannah was an active member of Drama Society. In 2019, Hannah co-hosted the Beyond The Walls Anthology launch as part of York Literature Festival. A year later, Hannah’s work was featured in Beyond The Walls Anthology 2020, and also features on its podcast.
What is your favourite memory from your time at YSJ?
I have so many good memories thanks to the amazing friends I met at YSJ, but my favourite has to be presenting the Beyond the Walls Anthology Launch in 2019! It was great to see all of our hard work come to life, and being up on stage with my friend Ethan was great fun!
Was there a module you enjoyed the most in your three years, and why?
I really enjoyed Experimental Writing which I took in my 3rd year. We got to read a huge variety of texts and it allowed me to really be creative and push the boundaries in terms of my own writing.
When campus closed and it was announced teaching would continue online, what was your reaction?
Obviously I was sad to be leaving campus and university life earlier than I anticipated. Initially I was worried about how the change would impact my studies and results, but our department worked really hard to deliver seminars and resources effectively.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE FINISHING YOUR DEGREE DURING LOCKDOWN? DID YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS AND IF SO, DID ANYONE HELP YOU OVERCOME THEM?
I moved back home during lockdown so it was strange finishing my degree and not being able to celebrate with my uni friends, but my family were really supportive, and as soon as its safe to do so, I am planning a trip up to York to see my friends and celebrate properly with them.
How did you celebrate handing in your final assessment?
I had some drinks with my parents and brother and a few weeks later I had some socially distanced celebrations with my friends in London, who were also celebrating handing in the last of their assignments.
What are you doing now, and has Covid-19 affected your plans?
Covid-19 has had a huge impact on my plans! I was supposed to be teaching in Fiji and then traveling around New Zealand but sadly that can’t go ahead. Finding work has been really tough but I am just using this time to write as much as I can. In October, I am starting a Masters in Dramaturgy and Writing for performance at Goldsmiths, University of London.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?
I just want to congratulate all graduates, finishing uni in these times has been so strange but everyone has shown how strong and resilient we are, and I think all YSJ graduates should be really proud of themselves!
You can follow Hannah on Instagram.
Enjoyed this post? Keep an eye out for the next installement in our Class of 2020 series.
All pictures are the property of Hannah Petch. Top image: Hannah holding her dissertation. Middle image: Hannah and some friends in the Student’s Union. Final image: Hannah (front row, left) in a group Drama Society picture.
