Creating stories, inspiring careers

Art has always played a huge part in my life, from reading picture books about famous artists as a child, to spending every spare moment searching for the stories behind works of art.

Artists have complete freedom of expression, and we as viewers have the freedom to have an opinion, and an interpretation of our own. 

Studying in the South West is unique, you have all this culture that sometimes feels hidden, like it’s just waiting to be discovered – time capsules from decades gone by, all set in this beautiful landscape. Through studying here, my interests in art history have completely changed, and opened me up to different time periods and concepts I never would have considered before.

I couldn’t imagine a life without art. There’s no question it is what I would spend my time studying.

I’m still searching for the stories, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop looking.

_________________________

Melia Crawford, BSc (Hons) Art History

You don’t stop learning when you graduate and you start your job. Every time you open the door you have literally no idea what you’re going to find. It can be daunting, but you’ve got to rely on your training. Rely on everything you’ve been told. With every single shift you learn something new. Every day is a learning day.

It can be stressful, but there’s a big network of people around you to support you. My long-term goal is to work on the air ambulance. I’m going to start as a newly qualified paramedic and study for my masters in critical care and retrieval.

When all of your training comes together, everything clicks and you get a great patient outcome … it’s amazing.

_________________________

Jacob Maddam, BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practitioner

Studying history has completely changed my perspective and my interests. It makes me question what I know about the world around me, and enables me to understand it better.

The area has a lot of historical significance and the city is a living museum. When I’m writing, I’m constantly inspired by what’s around me.

We are at an interesting point in time, the way the current political climate is going, it will affect the history of generations to come.

History encourages me to be analytical, recognise patterns and learn from the mistakes of the past. 

Until we know and understand how we got here, we can’t even begin to plan for the future.

_________________________

Danielle Dafter, BA (Hons) History

I love living in Plymouth, but I also love to escape to Dartmoor. Running is a great opportunity to relieve stress. 

My favourite place to run is the Burrator Reservoir. 

It’s about four miles around, and it makes for a perfect running track. I also find it inspiring when I run across the dam.

If in the 19th century, the Burrator Reservoir could provide water to Plymouth, why can’t 21st century engineering provide to other communities? 

I don't want to just put a plaster on the issues we face, but to empower remote communities to tackle issues themselves now and in the future.

_________________________

Alex Phillips, MEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering

There's this energy within the studio, and this level of excitement that you can just automatically feel when you enter the room.

We help each other and pick up methods, skills, techniques and ideas. It's just a great environment to be in. 

It's only further fuelled this want, and this urge to help others.

I've always wanted to teach. Knowing that I could further their skillset and broaden their mind to art, I think would be really fulfilling.

Art is important to me because it's a way for me to express myself when I feel as though words aren't enough.

_________________________

Amber Hall, BA (Hons) Fine Art

My main interests are nature writing and bringing awareness to sustainability issues. I hope that my writing can make complex issues easier to digest, so that more people can come together and try and solve these issues.

The process of crafting is my favourite part. Carrying out research in the local area and fitting all the pieces together is so satisfying. It's great to see all my hard work come together.

The location is perfect for so many disciplines and I'm proud to have it the focus of my work.

One day I hope to write a book of my own that will make others consider their impact on the planet.

_________________________

Shauna Crewes, BA (Hons) English