As the first in my family to attend university, stepping into higher education felt like a big moment. I did not have a roadmap to follow, so choosing the right place mattered... Visiting Greenwich made that decision clear.
Three words to describe Greenwich: Inspiring. Supportive. Opportunity-filled.
Choosing the University of Greenwich was about more than finding the right course. It was about finding somewhere that felt like the right starting point.
As the first in my family to attend university, stepping into higher education felt like a big moment. I did not have a roadmap to follow, so choosing the right place mattered. From as early as nine years old, I had been making short films and experimenting with photography, winning awards and competitions throughout school. I knew this was something I wanted to pursue seriously.
When it came to choosing a university, I was looking for more than just a strong course. I wanted to be close to real opportunities in the film industry while studying somewhere that felt inspiring and supportive.
Visiting Greenwich made that decision clear. Surrounded by the park and historic buildings, the campus felt creative and exciting, but still grounded and welcoming. It had a real sense of community and a village feel, while being close enough to central London to feel connected to the industry and its opportunities. Knowing someone already studying there, who spoke so positively about their experience, gave me even more confidence that I had found the right place.
My time at Greenwich gave me the space to grow both creatively and personally. Despite my second year being disrupted by the pandemic, my overall experience was incredibly positive. I made the most of student life, joining societies like cheerleading and basketball, going on sports tours and getting involved in social events. I also took part in extracurricular activities on my course, including cinema evenings, which helped build both my confidence and my creative perspective.
Alongside my studies, I worked at the university gym to support myself financially. Through work, my course and my societies, I built a network of friends and connections that have stayed with me long after graduating. I lived in halls for two years before moving into a student house, creating a full university experience that I will always value.
Graduating with a First was a moment I was incredibly proud of. It reflected not just my academic work, but everything I had put into my time at Greenwich.
Turning ideas into reality
One of the most defining parts of my course was the opportunity to create my graduate film.
Writing, directing and editing the project was intense and, at times, challenging, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my degree. It pushed me to plan a production from start to finish, from casting and scheduling to leading a crew, managing a set and overseeing the final edit.
That process taught me far more than technical skills. It developed my leadership, communication and problem-solving abilities, as well as the attention to detail required to bring a creative vision to life. Seeing everything come together after months of planning and collaboration was a moment I will always be proud of.
Throughout the course, I gained extensive hands-on experience with cameras, lighting and sound equipment, which I now use regularly in my work. Access to the Adobe Suite throughout my degree allowed me to develop my editing skills over time, which has become a major part of my day-to-day role.
Alongside the practical elements, I developed a deeper understanding of film as both an art form and a cultural force. Learning to analyse film in that way has shaped how I approach storytelling today. The balance between theory and practice gave me a strong foundation that I continue to build on.
Building a creative career
Since graduating, I have built a career as a freelance videographer, photographer and video editor.
I have worked closely with the University of Greenwich as a freelance photographer and videographer for several years, capturing campus events and supporting a range of campaigns. Alongside this, I work with a wide variety of clients, from small businesses and entrepreneurs to larger organisations, creating video and photo content for social media, websites and digital campaigns.
My work has taken me into a range of exciting spaces, including producing podcast content, shooting brand campaigns and creating full social media packages. I have also had the opportunity to film and photograph public figures such as Stephen Fry, Graham Norton, The Queen’s Consort Camilla and Steven Bartlett.
One project I am particularly proud of is filming and editing a documentary for Greenwich Theatre. As a local resident, it felt especially meaningful to contribute to a project within my own community.
Breaking into the industry was not without its challenges. Early on, something as simple as having the right equipment made a difference. Saving for a laptop capable of handling large video files took time, but once I had it, new opportunities opened up and I was able to apply for roles that required a higher level of editing capability.
During the pandemic, I secured my first role as a video editor for a YouTube channel alongside my studies. It gave me valuable experience but also showed me how competitive and unpredictable the industry can be.
Over time, I built my own client base and transitioned fully into freelancing. That experience taught me that success in this field is not just about technical skill. It is about reliability, professionalism and the relationships you build along the way. Being proactive, easy to work with and someone people can trust makes a lasting difference, and those relationships often lead to future opportunities.
Looking ahead, I am continuing to develop my skills and grow my business as a content creator. I am currently writing my own feature film script, with the aim of completing it by 2027.
A place that shaped everything
Looking back, what I valued most about Greenwich was the balance it offered.
It was an inspiring and creative environment, but also supportive and welcoming. The lecturers were knowledgeable, approachable and genuinely invested in our success. They created a space where we felt comfortable experimenting, asking questions and developing our own creative style, which had a huge impact on my confidence.
It is also where I met my partner, who I am still with today. That alone makes my time at Greenwich something I will always be grateful for.
For me, Greenwich was not just where I studied. It was where I built the foundations of my career, developed my confidence and created lifelong relationships. It gave me the skills, experience and belief to step into the creative industries and build something of my own.
Behind the scenes
Coming back to Greenwich for this project felt incredibly nostalgic. It gave me the chance to reflect on my time at the university and everything that has happened since graduating. Being back on campus reminded me just how important that experience was, both personally and professionally.
Returning as a professional made that even more meaningful. It really brought into focus how much I still rely on the skills and confidence I developed during my degree, and how that time shaped the work I do now.
Working alongside other alumni was a highlight. Hearing about their journeys and seeing how far everyone has come showed just how many different paths can grow from the same starting point. There was a real sense of connection in that shared experience.
Being part of this project means a lot to me. It is not often you get the chance to step back and see how far you have come, and to recognise the role your university played in that journey.
I think my younger self would feel proud. I followed a creative path that always felt uncertain at times, and it has led to opportunities I would not have imagined back then.
