Graduate success

Welsh with Creative Writing (BA), 2017 
Creative Writing - Welsh medium (MA), 2020 
Reporter on 'Heno' and 'Prynhawn Da' current affairs TV programmes, S4C

Why did you decide to study in Bangor?
Originally from Porth Amlwch in Anglesey and as a teenager who, believe it or not, was pretty shy - I didn't want to venture too far from home... that was before I found out about JMJ Hall. I had a few friends who were going to JMJ, so this shy individual convinced herself that she wanted to give JMJ and student life a chance, with the comfort of knowing that it wasn't too far away. I can't have gone home more than ten times over the period of almost four years at university - I became completely enamored with the bubble I was part of; the people, the course, the magic. It doesn't matter if Bangor is a stone's throw from 'home', the place is a magical place that one completely immerses themselves in while they are there, and the nostalgia I have for the place hurts, but the memories and thanks prevail.

Why did you choose your particular course?
I was too busy talking and laughing with my best friend at school to be interested in any subject... except for Welsh. Was there something that drew me to the words and the way you can put them together to create something that 'makes sense' and feels good to read. I hated the historical side of the subject - I'm not smart enough to understand something like that, but the sound of the words gripped me.

Although I wasn't, in fact, interested in studying medieval poets - I was more than happy to give myself another chance, considering that I was going to be receiving the education in Bangor's Welsh Language Department. The lectures I attended by the University Professors were truly magical - the passion ignited something in everyone. I will forever be grateful for the creative workshops in the company of Prof Gerwyn Williams and Prof Angharad Price - the workshops and the feedback were the basis for me to develop my abilities further, and that is why I went on to study MA Writing Creative. I studied the MA under the care of Prof Angharad Price and, during that time, I started to put together a volume of poetry to be published under the 'Y Stamp' banner, under the care of Iestyn Tyne-Hughes and Grug Muse - this period was one of the most productive periods I have ever had and I will forever be grateful for it.

What did you enjoy most about your time in Bangor?
The magical feeling of entering the University and the Welsh Language Department. The support and friendship of the Welsh Department lecturers. The feedback on creative work - a treasure when developing work. The Globe. JMJ. Aelwyd JMJ choir. The Welsh Drama Society (now the John Gwilym Jones Society). The inspiration to develop a career in the field and do so with complete confidence, and that confidence fueled by the Welsh Language Department.

How did Bangor help you on the way to the job you do now?
I had no idea in the world what kind of job I wanted to do after leaving University - I hadn't thought about it because I wanted to be a student forever. Nevertheless, I knew what I didn't want to do - perhaps the amount of times I heard: "What will you do after University? Translate? Teach?" is something to do with that. I knew I wanted to play - like a child; I want to create, be silly and laugh but who, in their right mind, would hire me to do that?

Well, believe it or not, there are lots more options available... many, many more. My first job after leaving University was Digital Content Producer for Hansh, S4C. I was able to spend several days in the company of Producers Iwan Pitts and Rhys Gwynfor, scripting, producing, directing and developing skills in the media field, with my education at Bangor University the basis for everything. I was scripting comedy and directing for almost two years and I had a special experience there that led me to where I am today.

What kind of work does your current role involve?
The opportunities I have in Tinopolis are endless - one day I'll be a researcher, a reporter, a comedy scriptwriter, an actor. I am completely blessed - I never imagined that I would get to work somewhere like Tinopolis.

In the research and reporting work, I have the opportunity to talk to people and share their story through my words on screen - this is where words are crucial and where the skills I cultivated at University are a huge help. I am still receiving training from some of the pillars of Tinopolis today - Delyth, who is one of the producers of 'Sgwrs Dan y Lloer' supports me day to day, and Elin Fflur, who is an old hand in the job by now, supports me and inspires me, and not everyone can say that - I'm one of the luckiest people in the world.

I'm developing a comedy series called 'Iawn Mêt?' with Iwan Pitts, Rhys Gwynfor and Alun Parrington as well. We scripted and produced a pilot for Hansh, S4C, at the beginning of the year and hope to turn it into a series by next year.

The nicest thing about working in Tinopolis is that I get to be in one world one day with the reporting, and in a completely different world the next with the comedy, with the same people still fueling my passion in all areas.

Sometimes I feel that I have left the world of poetry behind a little. After I won the Book of the Year award in the poetry category in 'Book of the Year 2020', I was completely hooked and maybe I reached my pinnacle then and let the poetry go a little, but I'm working with Iestyn Tyne-Hughes and Grug Muse to release my second volume around the end of this year, or next - depending on when I get a chance to finish it...

How did your experiences at Bangor (academic and social) help shape you as a person?
I don't have an ounce of doubt that I wouldn't be where I am today, career-wise and personally, without the amazing time I had studying in Bangor. I arrived at University as a shy and scared individual with no idea in the world who I was. I left the University as an individual full of confidence, empathy and enthusiasm, thanks to the people I met, the experiences I had and the unique education I received.

What would you say to someone who is considering studying in Bangor?
Go for it - I promise you won't be disappointed. Try not to be afraid and if fear overwhelms you - someone in Bangor will be ready to support you and help you overcome that fear. If you are afraid of leaving home, take comfort in the fact that there is another home waiting for you in Bangor and, at the end of your journey, you will be a satisfied and happy individual able to face anything that comes your way in your life and career with the best advantage - an education at Bangor University.