We have many talented writers within our community, and we love hearing from alumni who have published books; it’s such an achievement.
Two of our alumni authors are celebrating the recent release of their new books….
Satnam Sokhal, Teaching and Learning Support (Early Years), class of 2012
Which campus did you study at?
London
What years did you study with us?
2009 to 2012
What did you study at University of Cumbria and why did you pick this course?
I studied early childhood education because my role at my workplace at that time was senior early years educator. My remit was 3–8-year-old children, based primarily in reception class.
Do you remember any tutors? Did you have any favourites, if so, what made them special?
Fran Paffard, Don Hall, Rose White. All three tutors were fabulous. Harsh when they needed to be harsh, but very focused on us getting success in our degree. I will never forget Rose; her smile was contagious.
What did you do in your spare time as a student?
I was a father of three and had a full-time job. I did not have much time to myself. However, when I did have time, football, pool and a love for socialising and eating out was high on my agenda. I love drawing, and writing was a little side joy.
Do you have any amusing stories you are willing to share?
Not really amusing, but I managed to get onto my course a day before it started. it was a last-minute thing and Fran was definitely the one who made this work for me.
What is your fondest memory of your time as a student?
I loved learning and being in a different environment from my full-time job. Meeting new people is what I have always loved and still do.
Job title
Achievement Advocate
Current Employer
John Scurr Primary School
Briefly explain what your job entails
My job entails coaching young children to break down the barriers they face in class. Also bridging the gap between parents and school. Allowing parents the chance to be more part of the school by working with them and their children, alleviating any concerns and worries they may have, building strong relationships to learn more about their children's needs.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
Building strong relationships with the children and parents to supply an environment of well-being and care. Seeing a smile on children's faces as they learn is something that builds me up every day.
What were your career ambitions when you started studying and do you think that you have achieved them?
My career ambition was always to work with young children and offer them an increased extra curricula timetable.
It has also always been a small dream of mine to publish my own book and now it is reality!
I have always wanted to write a sequel to one of the well-loved fairy stories. Having read a lot of stories in my job as an early years educator, I felt I could write a book myself. I read a few other books that inspired me to write a sequel to Goldilocks and the Three Bears. These included, Little Lumpty, The Three Little wolves and the Big Bad Pig. My book is called ‘Goldilocks Returns’.
My ideas came to me over a number of years and a few of my close friends and family read my book and really enjoyed it. One of my friends just happens to be a renowned water colour artist (Margaret Eggleton), she illustrated all my work for me with her amazing artistic talent. My wife in turn took it upon herself to bring my book to life through a photobook company. I received the book as a Christmas gift and the experience was quite emotionally overwhelming. To have my book in my hand was a real gift I will never forget. I was therefore, inspired even more to send my book to a publisher. The first publisher I wrote to accepted the book straight away. The journey took two years and after a few bumpy bits along the way, my book is now available to purchase from all major book sellers.
How did going to university influence your life?
Well, my children have followed the same road. One has just graduated at Warwick and the second one is off to Bristol.
What are your ambitions for the future?
Currently, I love my job. Just continue to do what I am doing.
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for students today?
Yes, focus, get your work done. Meet new people, lean on each other, promote each other and advise each other in all aspects of life. Mostly, know that you are becoming an adult when you are at university, I think a lot of students forget this. If you put your mind to something, then you will succeed.
Find Satnam’s work here.
Buy the book on Amazon here.
Barry Lees, English and Creative Writing, class of 2013
Which campus did you study at?
Lancaster
What years did you study with us?
2010 to 2013
What did you study at University of Cumbria and why did you pick this course?
English and creative writing. I always wanted to be a writer and I had to learn how. I learned the skills required for a variety of writing disciplines.
Do you remember any tutors? Did you have any favourites, if so, what made them special?
Steve Longstaffe and Alizon Robertson. Steve helped me to enrol with qualifications which were not mainstream A levels. Alizon encouraged me to write about unfamiliar subjects.
Who were your friends, have you stayed in touch?
Mainly through social media. Some of my peers have careers and families which is great to hear about.
What did you do in your spare time as a student?
I volunteered at a high school to build a portfolio of skills. I used this to gain Qualified Teacher Status and work in schools, colleges and later as a lecturer at the University of Cumbria.
Were you part of any sports groups, clubs or societies?
We went to the bars on Lancaster campus after lectures. Those sessions went into the late evenings sometimes.
What is your fondest memory of your time as a student?
As a mature student, I was by far the oldest in the cohort. My peers treated me as an equal and I made many friends.
Job title
Lecturer in Policing
Current Employer
University of Cumbria
Briefly explain what your job entails
Delivering lectures, seminars and tutorials for undergraduate students who wish to pursue a police career. This includes law, ethics, academic skills, criminology and investigations.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
Helping someone through a degree when they have previously believed that the world of higher education was closed to them.
What were your career ambitions when you started studying and do you think that you have achieved them?
I wanted to be a writer and now I am. I have written nine full length crime thrillers, three of which have been picked up by an American publisher. I self-published the other six. I have also had short stories published in Australia.
How did going to university influence your life?
I achieved a rewarding teaching career and an international reputation for novel writing. Both of these were helped considerably by my honours degree at the University of Cumbria.
What are you most proud of?
Knowing that my books are on sale on American bookshelves.
What are your ambitions for the future?
More writing. My tenth story is underway now.
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for students today?
Turn up early and leave late. Volunteer for everything.
Find Barry’s books on Amazon here.