Dr Lynn Forest-Hill English PhD, 1997
Writer and Teacher
I learned to teach while doing my PhD. Professor Millett was my Latin tutor, so I learned Latin properly. I learned research skills which I still use. Participation in earlier seminars developed my confidence in my own ideas. My PhD taught me what it takes to write a scholarly piece of work.
Please give a description of your professional life post-university, including any achievements or stand-out moments.
I taught for a few years at University of Southampton New College and King Alfred's College, Winchester, then gave up in order to research and write. I missed teaching, and having become the Education Officer for the Tolkien Society, in 2004 I started the first of the Reading Groups I now run. These now include a Shakespeare reading group and two poetry groups. Discovering a lack of flexible literature courses, I then started the first syllabus of these courses. We will shortly begin the third syllabus. All this work is voluntary and unpaid. I continue writing.
Did you know what you wanted to do with your degree after leaving university, and have your aspirations developed or changed since then?
I wanted to write and teach. My aspirations have developed as the voluntary teaching leaves little time for the writing. Having published a monograph and edited another book, my next books remain unwritten, but the pleasure of introducing mature students to literature in circumstances suited to their situations remains undimmed. I could wish to have stayed closer to my first love of medieval studies, but it is never far from what I write and teach. I certainly never expected to have articles derived from my research appearing in the Times Literary Supplement.
What initially interested you in your subject?
As far back as I can remember I have always been happiest dealing with anything to do with the Middle Ages. Doing Chaucer at school developed my love of Middle English, and a later encounter with Tolkien's work introduced me to Old English. The opportunity to study these under Dr. (now Professor) McGavin, and Dr. (now Professor) Bella Millett enhanced and fulfilled my desire to be a medievalist.
What skills did you acquire whilst studying your subject and through what means (i.e. essays/group tasks?)
I learned to teach while doing my PhD. Professor Millett was my Latin tutor, so I learned Latin properly. I learned research skills which I still use. Participation in earlier seminars developed my confidence in my own ideas. My PhD taught me what it takes to write a scholarly piece of work.
Do you believe these skills have assisted you in your career and if so, how?
In so far as I can claim to have created a career for myself independent of an institutional environment, all these skills have assisted me in doing what I now do.
Would you recommend a degree at Southampton to others and what advice could you offer to students and recent graduates of your degree subject about moving forward and choosing a career path?
I would certainly recommend an English degree, and could speak of the high reputation of Philosophy, and of many of the scientific disciplines. There seems to be a great interest in learning for pleasure among people who missed out for various reasons, and there is always scope for writers to pursue their interests, but in all instances it is essential to know who the target audience is and what they want. Otherwise, I would suggest the rewards of teaching in any area are great, so long as it is not regarded as an easy option, and money is not the first priority.