My love for English (both Linguistics and Literature) never left me and from young, I had the urge to write fiction. But I did not have the confidence to write fiction before first, studying English Literature. When I finished high school, I wondered whether to study Chemistry or English because I loved both. I chose Chemistry and loved doing my Bachelors, Masters and PhD in Chemistry and later working in premier universities worldwide as a research scientist and being an author of research papers published in prestigious journals.
After this phase in my life, and entering SUSS where we were made to analyse a wide range of literature texts, as a part of assignments, this helped greatly in crafting my novels. The homework assignments for Literature (TMAs) where we had to write critical analyses of texts made me learn how to craft my own novels. Thanks to my Bachelors in English Language and Literature from SUSS, I got to start my journey in writing fiction earnestly while being able to attract publishers.
I loved my days at SUSS. I found the lecturers excellent and the pace was just right. I loved all my classes in Linguistics, Literature and Film Studies. Special mention of some great lecturers are Roger Winder for Linguistics and Dr Nick Mercer for Film Studies. Professor Genice Ngg was definitely a guiding light for so many of us. Most important, the degree gave me the confidence to send my works of fiction to publishers.
For those who are afraid of taking the step to kickstart their lifelong learning journey, as a lifelong learner myself, open yourself to the vast opportunities that will come with learning a new subject! I guarantee that there will always be something to love about something new that you are learning. I was 54 when I embarked on my SUSS degree, and though the examinations were challenging, I did not regret taking that leap!
Anjana Rai Chaudhuri
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English Language and Literature
Class of 2012