Class of 2020: Reece Dixon
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.
Reece Dixon Bio
From York, Reece Dixon attended York St John University to study English Literature. He was awarded a First Class degree with Honours. In his first year at university, Reece founded the English Literature Society alongside a small group of fellow first-years and was its vice-chair for two years.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY FROM YOUR TIME AT YSJ?
I have a lot of favourite memories from my time at YSJ, however selecting one, I can say that establishing the English Literature Society is my all-time favourite, as this provided us with the chance to get to know other students and provide a course-focused society with the aim of bringing the cohort together.
WAS THERE A MODULE YOU ENJOYED THE MOST IN YOUR THREE YEARS, AND WHY?
Forms of Narrative set the precedence for the different types of literature that I studied over my three years at YSJ, in particular literary forms that were not as well known to me, such as the short story and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. This module enabled me to gain an insight into these different forms and developed my understanding of literature as a dynamic discipline with many different forms.
WHEN CAMPUS CLOSED AND IT WAS ANNOUNCED TEACHING WOULD CONTINUE ONLINE, WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION?
I was undoubtedly disappointed, however I believed that the health and wellbeing of all was of the utmost importance, and so I had that in the back of my mind while I finished third year online. I missed seminar room teaching because of how varied and interesting discussions were when groups were together, and so having that online was strange at first, but I coped with it well.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE FINISHING YOUR DEGREE DURING LOCKDOWN? DID YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS AND IF SO, DID ANYONE HELP YOU OVERCOME THEM?
I coped fine. I adjusted and did what I had to do, as I had done before but under strange new circumstances.
HOW DID YOU CELEBRATE HANDING IN YOUR FINAL ASSESSMENT?
I put my laptop away and went on a long drive.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW, AND HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED YOUR PLANS?
As well as working, I am waiting to start the MA in Contemporary Literature at YSJ. The pandemic has not affected my plans in so far as there have been no substantial changes to my routine.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I would like to express my gratitude to my tutors, including Dr Anne-Marie Evans, Dr Alex Beaumont, Dr Adam Smith, Dr Liesl King, Dr Janine Bradbury and Dr Sarah Lawson-Welsh. Thank you for your continued support and advice during my tenure as an undergraduate.
Enjoyed this post from the Class of 2020 series? Keep and eye out for more posts coming soon! Why not read Hattie’s or Sarah’s posts next?
Pictures sourced from York St John’s English Literature Society Twitter. All rights remain with them.
