Sam Parker, Graduate of English Language and Psychology 2012

“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

Warren Buffett

Hi guys, I’m Sam. I graduated from YSJU in 2012 with a Joint Honours BA in English Language & Psychology. After a gap year, I went on to do an MA in Linguistics at Queen’s University, Belfast, followed by a Postgrad Diploma in Bilingual Education at UIC Barcelona and a PGCE at the University of Nottingham. Since 2015, I’ve been based at a British international boarding school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a teacher of English Language and Literature and an international marketing consultant, in addition to starting out as an aspiring property investor. 

Nikki, your Associate Head for Language, asked me to share a couple of things I wish someone had told me when I was a first year at YSJU way back in 2009, to encourage you as you embark on this brand new chapter of your life. I absolutely would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for my time at YSJU and the incredible lecturers there! I’m still in touch with several of them after all these years. Great people. 12/10. I’ve been blessed to learn such a great deal from so many truly inspiring leaders, and there are so many things I want to tell you (sorry, I’m a teacher!), but I’ve boiled it down to a few key ones: 

 

• Jump in 

 

First of all, throw yourself into College life. Say yes to stuff. Get involved. Go to all the events (there’s often complimentary refreshments). Sign up to a society. Be on a committee. Volunteer. Don’t worry about building your CV. Live a full life and your CV will write itself. Make friends with people from completely different backgrounds and orientations to your own. Get out of the campus bubble. York is BUZZING with energy and culture and community; you’ll meet so many interesting people and open up your world to new ideas and opportunities, which leads me to my next point…

 

• Connect

 

Never underestimate the power of connections and networking. I wouldn’t have ever known about my current job had it not been for a friend who recommended me for the position. Whether you’re more introverted and prefer small tight-knit groups of friends, or more extroverted and thrive in large and diverse networks of people, those connections will carry you through uni and beyond into your professional career. Try and forge positive connections with absolutely everyone you meet, from your flatmates to the dining hall staff to your lecturers and tutors. One way to do this is to…

 

• Communicate with impact

 

You’ll soon learn in Linguistics that language is powerful, so take your conversation and interpersonal skills to the next level. Smile when you’re talking and nod encouragingly when they are. Shake hands firmly, unless we’re in a pandemic. Too soon? Make eye contact but don’t make it creepy. Occasionally use their name mid-sentence (it focusses them on your conversation, Karen, and consequently they’re more likely to remember you and what you have to say. Believe me, it works!). Try to ask as many questions back that you get asked. Show a genuine interest in people. Expand your vocabulary and employ it with precision, both when speaking and writing your assignments (more on this later). This will make you…

 

• Stand out

 

Don’t be afraid to stand out and make a lasting impression on people. The job market is highly competitive and often those who are short-listed for interview are all equally qualified and brilliant individuals like you. So you need to shine. University is the perfect place to try out a few different versions of yourself and see which one you like the best. Make an effort with your appearance.

 

• Stay curious

 

Still with me? Good. Never stop learning about the world and how it works. It’s changing all the time and so are you. Allow new ideas to challenge you, not threaten you. Remember the societies I said you should join back in point one? “Each person is a new door to a different world.” Not sure whose quote that is but I’ll use it anyway because it’s true. And cool. Learn things outside of your own particular academic discipline. Intelligence is captivating and people will want to listen to you.

 

• Public speaking

 

You’ll most likely have to do some of this throughout your degree, and you’ll almost definitely have to do it at some point during your career. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Don’t panic. Breathe. Try and say “and…” instead of “erm…”. Slow down. Smile. Engage with your audience. Laugh. Wear your favourite shoes. You’re the expert in the room on your presentation. Own it. You might end up enjoying it. 

 

• Read widely to write well

 

You’ll quickly improve your own writing by modelling your sentence structures and vocabulary on the literature you read. You’ll sound smarter and your arguments will feel authoritative and compelling. Writing well WILL get you closer to a First!

 

• Set goals, big or small

 

What do you want to achieve today? This week? This year? Keep a to-do list and cross off everything as you go. However small things may seem. Start a cashflow spreadsheet and manage your money. There’s a Japanese philosophy called Kaizen which essentially means continuous improvement. Step by step. Bit by bit. It’s also ok not to know where you’re going. I still have no idea. Enjoy the journey.

Sorry to bang on. Enjoy, have fun, make good choices: you are your greatest investment and you’ve got a great adventure ahead of you!