Emma Bouloudis: freelance writer
Emma Bouloudis’ passion for writing and English Literature has taken her to amazing places. Her time spent working as a freelance writer and editorial assistant has meant that she has ‘written about art galleries, music albums, European cities, and cookbooks’, amongst many others. After several years spent doing writing internships, she has recently made the decision to retrain and become a wildlife vet.
After leaving Heathfield, Emma went on to take her favourite A Level subject, English Literature, at degree level at University of York. She explains, ‘My degree in Literature functioned as an interdisciplinary umbrella to converge social theory, philosophy, politics, art, and history, so in this respect I think Literature is the most fascinating subject you can study.’ Emma stresses the diverse range of topics involved in a Literature degree, for example her final year dissertation on Afrofuturist resistance. ‘Whether it’s the moral limitations of aesthetics, the decolonising of museums, or even political resistance to capitalism, English allows you to unpick and respond to our world in a critically informed way.’
Through getting involved with extracurricular activities at university, Emma built up a strong portfolio of writing which she emphasises is essential to success in the creative sector. As well as contributing to the York PEN charity, one of the first things that she worked on was a project for a local cultural event in York, 'a storytelling project connecting personal stories from around the city to the Tour de France.’
After graduating, Emma started her career completing various internships: 'You can find an excellent opportunity to build your experience and skill, where you will gain a more realistic view of what your career might look like whilst developing your own personal style and tone.’ Afterwards, working as a freelance writer, Emma got the chance to report on a wide variety of different cultural aspects such as music, art and travel. Despite having decided to retrain as a wildlife veterinarian, Emma maintains that ‘being a writer can be a very creative and rewarding career choice.’
To anyone considering a career in writing, Emma has this advice - ‘Really ask yourself what it is that motivates you. There are lots of different paths English can open doors to: journalism, publishing, copywriting, and government policy to name a few.’ Amongst the friends she made on her degree course one is now a screenwriter and comedian and one is a secondary school teacher highlighting just how many different directions a Literature degree can take you on.
Reflecting back on her journey so far, Emma says that she wishes that after completing her A Levels at Heathfield, she had taken a year out of education to travel, volunteer, or work as it ‘offers a unique moment to stop time and gain some fresh experiences.’ Emma considers that ‘a good gap year would be equal parts restful as well as “active” in the more traditional sense. 'It’s a time to gain new skills and perspectives but also to take some time to reflect and build your confidence.’
From Emma’s experience, it is clear to see how interesting and varied a career path after studying English can be. Emma picks out a quote from author Teju Cole: “Writing as writing. Writing as rioting. Writing as righting. On the best days, all three.” which brilliantly articulates the importance of studying English.
Bethany Cassé, Y13
After leaving Heathfield, Emma went on to take her favourite A Level subject, English Literature, at degree level at University of York. She explains, ‘My degree in Literature functioned as an interdisciplinary umbrella to converge social theory, philosophy, politics, art, and history, so in this respect I think Literature is the most fascinating subject you can study.’ Emma stresses the diverse range of topics involved in a Literature degree, for example her final year dissertation on Afrofuturist resistance. ‘Whether it’s the moral limitations of aesthetics, the decolonising of museums, or even political resistance to capitalism, English allows you to unpick and respond to our world in a critically informed way.’
Through getting involved with extracurricular activities at university, Emma built up a strong portfolio of writing which she emphasises is essential to success in the creative sector. As well as contributing to the York PEN charity, one of the first things that she worked on was a project for a local cultural event in York, 'a storytelling project connecting personal stories from around the city to the Tour de France.’
After graduating, Emma started her career completing various internships: 'You can find an excellent opportunity to build your experience and skill, where you will gain a more realistic view of what your career might look like whilst developing your own personal style and tone.’ Afterwards, working as a freelance writer, Emma got the chance to report on a wide variety of different cultural aspects such as music, art and travel. Despite having decided to retrain as a wildlife veterinarian, Emma maintains that ‘being a writer can be a very creative and rewarding career choice.’
To anyone considering a career in writing, Emma has this advice - ‘Really ask yourself what it is that motivates you. There are lots of different paths English can open doors to: journalism, publishing, copywriting, and government policy to name a few.’ Amongst the friends she made on her degree course one is now a screenwriter and comedian and one is a secondary school teacher highlighting just how many different directions a Literature degree can take you on.
Reflecting back on her journey so far, Emma says that she wishes that after completing her A Levels at Heathfield, she had taken a year out of education to travel, volunteer, or work as it ‘offers a unique moment to stop time and gain some fresh experiences.’ Emma considers that ‘a good gap year would be equal parts restful as well as “active” in the more traditional sense. 'It’s a time to gain new skills and perspectives but also to take some time to reflect and build your confidence.’
From Emma’s experience, it is clear to see how interesting and varied a career path after studying English can be. Emma picks out a quote from author Teju Cole: “Writing as writing. Writing as rioting. Writing as righting. On the best days, all three.” which brilliantly articulates the importance of studying English.
Bethany Cassé, Y13
