Better understanding the world through literature
Oliver has always been passionate about stories and the way they shape our understanding of the world, so diving into literature was a natural path for him.
Oliver believes that the key to understanding the world is by looking at the past through literature, believing that analysing past events can give us much-needed insight into current global issues.
He states that literature is a really powerful medium allowing you to explore different perspectives and ideas – which is precisely why he chose to follow his passion for stories and study English Literature at Cardiff University.
As well as enabling him to sink his teeth into a variety of ideas, perspectives and events, his time at university was also helped him learn more about himself while being surrounded by peers that share his interests and developing a core community through learning and socialising.
“By learning from the past and sharing different perspectives, we can make more informed decisions about what to do next.”
Studying literature has made Oliver more self-aware, and more aware of what he's reading: what he's taking in and which sources to trust.
Together, we can better understand the world through literature
What inspired you to study English literature?
I think literature is a really powerful medium – it allows you to explore different perspectives and ideas. Coming from a small town where not many people shared my interest in literature, arriving at Cardiff and finding myself surrounded by like-minded individuals was incredible. It was amazing to connect with others who were just as passionate about it as I am.
How has your time at Cardiff shaped you?
Being surrounded by people with similar interests helped me discover more about myself — what I like, what I don’t, and the kind of person I want to be going forward. Cardiff is a small city, so you’re constantly running into familiar faces, which really reinforces the importance of being genuine and true to yourself. Studying literature, in particular, has really made me more self-aware, and more aware of what I’m reading: what I’m taking in and which sources to trust.
Tell us about a memorable experience at Cardiff
Working on group projects in my literature courses was really valuable. We’d be split into groups and tasked with analysing a heavy text, each of us focusing on different themes. It was a new experience for me because I’d mostly studied independently before. Collaborating with others and hearing their interpretations really opened my eyes to different perspectives that I might have missed on my own. Plus, being part of the English Literature Football Society was great— we may not have won many games, but the friendships I made were priceless.
Finally, how do you feel about the idea that ‘together, we can’ make a difference?
I believe together we can understand the world through literature. Studying English has shown me how history tends to repeat itself, and understanding past events through literature can give us insight into current global issues. By learning from the past and sharing different perspectives, we can make more informed decisions about what to do next.
“Studying literature has really made me more self-aware, and more aware of what I’m reading: what I’m taking in and which sources to trust.”
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