罗汉普顿大学研究生实行更多生活体验课
After more than a decade, mother of two and former library assistant Dandy Pyper decided to tackle her one regret: not getting a university degree. She has since graduated from a BA in English Literature in July and has just begun her MA in Literature and Material Culture.
“Getting back into study wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I had worked for nine years as a library assistant in Wandsworth, which is quite a big gap. During that time I had also been writing various pieces, poetry and a children's book and I decided that I wanted to underpin any further writing with some academic background in English literature,” said Dandy.
“As a mature student, I think there is a strong sense of goal orientation which increased for me as I covered the undergraduate syllabus. In the beginning, the essay questions seemed daunting, but the more I wrote, the more I was able to criticise my own work in order to improve it. Study becomes a way of life and I had to fit it in with my family.
“I have gained so much from my time at Roehampton University! The English literature course has been a real pleasure for me, covering books I thought I would never make the time to read. I have learnt that I'm more academic than I thought I was when I was younger. Then I lacked confidence. Now I speak up.”
Dandy said her new found confidence has also given her a new perspective on life and a sense of rejuvenation.
“The staff have been friendly and supportive, with each students assigned a personal tutor that you can discuss academic issues with. I have participated in extra group literary theory meetings which have been challenging and stretching. Course convenors are always helpful and willing to listen if you have problems. It’s so accessible,” said Dandy.
“I would definitely encourage others to give study a try. After all if you don't have a go, how will you know that it's not for you?”
My next steps are back towards Roehampton University as I will be starting the MA course in September on Literature and Culture. In the meantime, I am experimenting with different types of writing, at the moment scripts for television and film.
