Education

I think education sections of CVs can tell an interesting and often unexpected story. My later - post undergraduate - educational history is quite fragmented, as I returned to my postgraduate degrees (MA in 2006 and then PhD in 2014) after periods of working, travelling and, in the case of my PhD, two maternity leaves. I was 38 when I finished my doctoral research, which I started when my children were very young (4 and 2). I studied for my MA in Applied Translation Studies part-time while working full-time at the University of Leeds, generously supported in terms of fees by my department there, for which I am very grateful. I also worked on and led multiple projects during my PhD, so I have a lot of empathy for my students who juggle their studies and busy lives.

In my early years I lived in Shelton, Stoke on Trent, until my family moved to Wakefield in 1987 where I finished my primary education. I then went to Wakefield Girls' High School with an assisted place from 11 to 16, where I took GCSEs, moving to Greenhead College in Huddersfield for my A Levels in English Language, French and Art & Design. I nearly did a Fine Art degree, as had always been my plan since I realised I enjoyed drawing and painting as a child, but, after some uncertainty about what I really wanted to do - I also loved languages and there was little that would offer me the chance to combine these subjects - I changed my mind just before the UCAS deadline and chose to study French with Spanish at Newcastle University. I'm happy to have now found a space where I can engage with languages and creative practice in my research and teaching.