BA (Hons) English Literature, 2026, United Kingdom, Student
“Oxford Brookes actively encourages self expression and self-advocacy, nurturing the principles of the university within yourselves.”
“When I first visited Oxford Brookes, I was struck by the aura of the campus and felt I belonged”
I didn't feel that my disability was disabling to me once I came into Oxford Brookes; it was a part of me and I could express it just like all the other parts of me, which is great, but it wasn't something that was an obstacle. It was like Oxford Brookes had already sorted that for me, and I could just be a student, which I thought was really liberating and fantastic.
“As students we’re very nervous because everything is new and you are very conscious of how you come across to others.
Studying certain modules and the influence of my tutors helped me relax. I have to say my peers have just seemed to embrace every change with me. I think as I've become more open, my peers have become more flexible and vice versa. This is the thing with Oxford Brookes.
“During a first year module, we went outside and chose an item that we felt could relate to ourselves.”
We then did a presentation to the study group with our item. I chose a leaf and came up with an analogy; the many leaves which may contain differences in appearance are all from the same tree. I think that came from my experience at Oxford Brookes, we all have differences and are allowed to be that way, but we are part of a wider community. This was a key moment for me because that was the first time that I addressed my peers, and gave them insight into who I was beyond what you see and may think of me. So that felt like a really big deal.
“We have visits from literary agents and we've had career meetings.”
I‘ve also gained employment practice working for and within the university. I’ve worked at open days and also worked as an enrolment assistant. I have a good understanding of how the student body operates, and how staff operate as well. This has given me more of a steer on what I want to do for a future career.
“I've decided to take a route into doing advisory work.”
I've decided that I want to use my writing and verbal communication skills that I’ve progressed and developed through my course. That's where I'm looking and at a future point I also want to pursue a master's potentially in disability studies.