Alumni Spotlight: Lucy Edwards, class of 2020 English Literature

Why did you choose to study with us?  

I chose the University of Cumbria because I loved the idea of studying literature, particularly environmental literature and the Lakes poets, just a short drive away from the Lake District! 

I knew I wanted to write for a living and I wanted to learn about what really makes a good writer, so the course felt like a no brainer. 

I also love Cumbria in general, the people, places and landscapes, truly make it one of the best places in England. 

I was born in Yorkshire but moved to Cumbria with my family later on and I did not want to leave! 

I actually remember the university coming into my secondary school to do a talk about student life and I really hoped I would get to go there one day. 

Do you remember any tutors? Did you have any favourites, if so, what made them special?  

My two favourite tutors were Dr Penny Bradshaw and Dr Paul Ferguson. 

Penny always really inspired me, her passion and joy for the subject was so infectious and her academic career and work just completely blew my mind as a young person. She was a brilliant tutor and you could tell she really cared about every single one of her students and their ideas. Penny also got me through my dissertation and was an incredible support throughout. 

Paul was equally brilliant. You could always count on his lectures and seminars to be deep, thought provoking, challenging in the best way and good fun. I do remember for one of my assignments, Paul gave me some feedback saying at the time I was writing like a journalist, I loved that and it really stuck with me. Even though I was supposed to be writing academically, it all worked out in the end! Paul always pushed us to think outside of the box and question everything and I do feel those qualities have greatly benefited me in my working life. 

Who were your friends, have you stayed in touch?  

Our course cohort was so small that we were all quite close knit for the three years we spent studying at UoC. Names that spring to mind include Bridget, Rebekka, Beth, Natalie, Josh and Connor. We all really supported each other through the course and we did make some funny memories. We still have each other on social media (those of us who have it!) and over the years we have kept up with each other's lives. Our graduation day was also extra special because it was delayed due to Covid and those of us who made it got a group picture together which was really nice. 

What did you do in your spare time as a student?  

It might be an odd combination, but partying and reading! Carlisle has some great bars, nightlife and bookshops. I think I speak for all former students when I say I do miss Outrageous. 

Can you remember any student traditions, did you take part in them?  

Buying your first books from Bookends and following it up with coffee and cake! 

Were you part of any sports groups, clubs or societies?  

I just lived and breathed life in the library! 

Do you have any amusing stories you are willing to share? 

There are quite a few but I don't think I can share them! 

What is your fondest memory of your time as a student?  

Aside from the nights out and the panicked late night assignment writing sessions with friends that I can now laugh about, it has got to be my graduation day. Graduating in Carlisle's beautiful cathedral after going through all the trials of the pandemic was really special. The ceremony itself felt so personal despite being for hundreds of people and I think that sums up UoC in a nutshell. Everyone there genuinely cares about one another, you're not just another face in the crowd and I do think that is hard to find elsewhere. 

Job title: Reporter 

Employer: Cumbria Crack / Barrnon Media  

Briefly explain what your job entails  

I work mainly as a reporter for Cumbria Crack, but I also write for our newspapers the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald and The Keswick Reminder!  

My days are spent finding story leads, writing, interviewing people from all walks of life, investigating and holding people and organisations to account when needed.  

I've also travelled overseas for stories, gone undercover, and I was featured on television as an expert in a crime documentary, and yes, all of it was to do with Cumbria! 

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?  

It's an amazing feeling when a story really makes a difference to someone's life.  

Whether it helps someone's voice be heard for the first time, or it boosts their business or celebrates them in a way they've never experienced before, when we get positive feedback on things like that, it means the world to me and is very satisfying. 

Our newspapers are also both over 100 years old and getting to be part of that history in print does feel really special. 

What were your career ambitions when you started studying and do you think that you have achieved them?  

When I started studying, I knew that more than anything I wanted to write for a living.  

I get to do that now and I get to meet amazing people and go to interesting places while doing it! 

How did going to university influence your life?  

Going to university developed me as a person both personally and professionally. 

You learn to question everything, think creatively and critically, problem-solve and multitask and meet deadlines under pressure without breaking a sweat, all of which really help set you up for jobs like mine.  

In a more literal sense, I remember as part of my course we did a module that allowed us to do some writing in the real world. It was thanks to that module that I got my first story published in a magazine, which has ultimately led me to where I am now! 

What are you most proud of?  

I'm really proud of the work we do at Cumbria Crack to provide people with real boots on the ground journalism.  

Being able to produce reliable news and exciting features that put the community first is all you can wish for as a journalist! 

What are your ambitions for the future?  

I think my long-term goal is to just keep writing until I'm very old and grey! 

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for students today?  

Don't listen to anyone who tells you that your goals and dreams are too ambitious or unrealistic, it's their own insecurity speaking!  

Making connections, talking to people, putting yourself forward and asking questions also goes a really long way! 

Also, look after yourself, have fun and just keep going! 

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