Halimat Shode

Why did you choose Brunel University?

I chose Brunel because I was able to study English with Creative Writing, which I found to be an interesting combination. I was also inspired by reading about the lecturers’ backgrounds, experience and achievements. The chance to study with Benjamin Zephaniah was especially exciting as I have enjoyed his work for many years.

How would you describe the learning experience?

My favourite module has been Introduction to Writing Fiction. As I enjoyed writing stories when I was younger, it was good to learn more about the different components that make up a story, such as setting and dialogue. Each week we produced a short story so I was able to develop my own style and interests.

This year, I especially enjoyed reading “Calypso” by Edward Kamau Braithwaite. This poem has a rhythm that mimics the style of the calypso folk tradition from Trinidad. I enjoyed this so much I chose to make it my essay focus in the module Approaches to Poetry and Prose.

I really like the interactive learning experience at Brunel. In seminars, there are always group discussions so that each student gets a chance to participate and share his or her ideas.

What skills are you developing? What are some of the benefits for you?

Excellent presentation and communication skills are important in school and beyond, especially in terms of employability, and I have gained stronger communication skills at Brunel through workshops where we discuss the short stories we have written. Furthermore, I have improved my presentation skills because two modules required presentations about texts we read for our self-study assignments.

Beyond the classroom, what do you like about the Brunel student experience?

As a practicing Muslim, I have involved myself with the events and lectures that are held by the Brunel Islamic society, which are also open to non-Muslims.

I have volunteered off-campus and have spoken with the volunteering team at Brunel and hope to organise volunteering opportunities with them. I have also played basketball a few times in the first term and hope to play more in the coming year.

How is Brunel helping you to achieve your long-term goals?

My dream is to become a writer. Brunel is helping me to achieve this through my course of study, which is also teaching me a variety of transferable skills.

Through extra-curricular activities such as sports and volunteer opportunities, I am continually developing skills and learning from new experiences.

In your view, why should prospective students choose Brunel?

Students should choose Brunel for English if they want a unique learning environment, where they are challenged to develop, sometimes even beyond their own expectations. If they want to engage with different types of literature and writing styles, then Brunel University is definitely for them.