Hello everyone,

my name is Verena and I come from Germany.

I have had a passion for languages and literature as long as I can remember. As a child, I could not wait to learn to go to school and finally be able to read for myself all the great stories and tales my mother had told me. I grew up in a house full of books, and the first thing I would do when getting home after school would be grabbing a book and delving into the story. Books were there when I was happy or sad; they let me forget the sometimes grim outside world; they inspired new ideas, helped me to study foreign languages, and evoked in me the desire to travel the world and see the countries and cultures I was reading about.

That is why I studied English Literature, French, and Latin at Ruprecht-Karls-University in Heidelberg, Germany for my first Master`s degree, so I could combine my interests in literature and languages. Despite introducing me to new genres, literary periods, and authors, my studies also led me to spend two years abroad, one each in Wales and in France, which were two of the best years of my life.

Although I loved studying literature and getting graded on my favourite pastime, I was afraid that it might not be specialized enough, since I did not want to be a teacher. Going back to university for a second degree seemed a good option to improve my chances on the career market. So I was very glad when I was accepted for the MLitt programme in Publishing Studies at the University of Stirling because it gives me the opportunity to work with the knowledge I gained in my previous studies and internships as well as acquire new skills through the modules and the practical assignments.

Besides showing me a new perspective on books and literature, the programme offers me the possibility to study at a foreign university and get to know a new country and culture as well as to meet people from all over the world. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but it will prepare us perfectly for our entry into the world of publishing, and I simply love it.