Lottie is a Valedictory speaker for her graduating year
The course made sense to me. The course is so diverse, the lecturers are fantastic, we’ve learned so much and have been allowed the space to develop in so many ways.
Teesside is my local university. I live in Darlington and worked in Northallerton so it was really convenient. Plus going to University had been on my mind for a few years, so I was ready for the challenge.
I have a passion for English and want to teach, so the course made sense to me.
The course is so diverse, the lecturers are fantastic, we’ve learned so much and have been allowed the space to develop in so many ways.
The upgrade of facilities has been tremendous. The library is well stocked and a great place to study, with quieter areas when needed.
For the final two years of the degree, I’ve been acting as a mediator, attending meetings and reporting back on issues and concerns. Having course reps is a fantastic way of ensuring the course is structured and tailored in the best possible way. The approachable manner in which lecturers and staff contend with concerns throughout the course is incredible, and I've seen first-hand how much is given to improving the standards on a daily, monthly and bi annual basis.
Confidence, a thirst for more knowledge, the excitement of contributing new ideas and arguments, and the skills to put all of that down in writing and to make a difference. I've also improved my poetry writing.
If you're concerned it won't work out, or that you'll not be good enough, just do it. It will work out and you'll find you're more than good enough by the end of it. You'll find you're a new 'you'.