I remember the first time I could not put down a book. It was Sebastian Faulks beautiful novel Birdsong. I had read it at the ripe old age of 16 and this was the first time I had truly been entranced by a book. Up until that point of my life, English to me had simply been something I was good at. Outside of History, no subject had really grabbed my attention until that fateful book. In the weeks following I was encouraged to read more and more, breezing through Sarah Waters’ Tipping the Velvet, Angela Carter’s Nights at the Circus and The Bloody Chamber. Even the mandatory books to cover for my coursework and exams (Macbeth and Frankenstein) had me enthralled.

Thanks to my academic studies, I had not just achieved qualifications but gained something more valuable – a passion. Now when looking ahead towards a lifelong career, it feels fitting that I would enrol in my current Publishing Studies course. In many ways it feels like the next step in my life, having gone from excelling at English throughout secondary school to completing an undergraduate course in English Studies and my other passion, History, at the University of Stirling.

I have always wanted to enjoy whatever career path I decide to venture down. Having found myself in employment since the age of 14, enjoyment would certainly not be the most appropriate description of my feelings towards my working environment. Despite still being very early into this course, I feel a sense of belonging as well as, for the first time in my life, a true sense of direction and a passion for what I do. I look forward to taking advantage of the opportunities afforded to me through various internships and the other gateways this course can provide for me. I know for a fact I made the right choice to continue my studies here at Stirling University.

You can find me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callum-spoor-0451a1170/

Twitter: @CallumSpoor