The English Literature team are recognising outstanding academic achievement by students completing the first year of their degree in both single honours and joint honours cohorts through this year’s Words Matter prizes. This year’s winners are English Literature student Evie Lane and English Literature and Creative Writing student Alice Lind-O’Mara.
Level Four co-ordinator Dr Fraser Mann says that:
‘I’m really happy for Evie and Alice. Their dedication to the subject and their participation in university life are admirable. They have made rapid and remarkable progress and deserve real recognition for this success. They are both an asset to English Literature at York St John.’
On receiving news of the award, a delighted Alice said:
‘I was ten when I decided what I was going to study at university. I’d fallen in love with English. I wouldn’t learn to love school for another few years yet, but English truly captured my heart. When asked about my future plans, I always knew what I would say: “I’m going to study Creative Writing at university!” And time and again, people told me to “be realistic.” Passion was one thing; practicality was another. I almost gave up on that dream entirely, until I took English Literature at A-Level. There, I learned just how fun analysis can be, how satisfying it can feel to pull apart a text and how much you can learn from an author’s choices. Reading informs writing, after all. To now have the privilege of studying both–the dissection of literature as both its audience and creator–is a dream come true. To receive this award is so unbelievably moving, and I am so grateful to know that I am making the most of a dream I almost sacrificed. Thank you so much to everyone who encouraged me to keep going.’
Evie was equally happy and said:
‘Receiving the ‘Words Matter’ award means so much to me and I am truly moved by this incredible recognition. Studying English Literature has been both challenging and deeply
rewarding, and it is so fulfilling to see my efforts paying off. I am deeply grateful for the support and guidance of every lecturer, tutor, and peer; your encouragement has made all the difference.’ Evie and Alice will receive their awards during this year’s Words Matter Lecture. We would like to congratulate them on their success and wish them all the best for the rest of their degrees.
Blog | English Literature | York St John University
