So I should definitely start by holding my hands up: my title is not strictly original, having been borrowed from the literary greats that are Boyz II Men. However, if I have taken anything from studying English at Bristol, it’s that intertextuality is integral to all great writing. Boyz II Men’s song title definitely resonates with me and my fellow soon-to-be graduates. I know I speak for most of us when I say that the last three years have been truly wonderful, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
This final year has been the cherry on top of the proverbial degree cake for me. Though incredibly challenging, it has been equally rewarding. The dissertation, whilst daunting and long, was definitely worth the blood, sweat and tears, becoming the piece of work that I am most proud of. I chose to write on Salman Rushdie, one of my favourite authors, and the trope of mirroring in his works. To be able to discuss a topic entirely of my own choosing was very exciting, and, with the advantage of hindsight, I can say that I enjoyed writing it.
As for what the next step is, I am still undecided. (It should be noted that seeing that sentence written out for the first time is giving me minor palpitations.) Whilst the fear of the unknown is strong (very, very strong), I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds. Ultimately I would like to become a teacher and I intend to pursue a PGCE course in the future. Until that point, I want to be able to explore what the world of work has to offer and try my hand at different things.
My time at Bristol has been thoroughly amazing and I cannot thank the English department enough.
– Harriet
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