When I enrolled in my Arts & Humanities degree, I thought I had a pretty clear reason for doing it. I was all in on creative writing—storytelling, building characters, playing with rhythm and language. I imagined myself writing books, maybe articles, something expressive and impactful.
But here’s the twist: this course didn’t just shape my writing—it opened up a whole different part of me. One that had been quietly waiting in the wings all along. And honestly? I never saw it coming.
🎓 Year One: A111 – Discovering the arts and humanities)
A111 is the first big step into the world of arts and humanities, and it’s not shy about it. Think of it as the academic version of a variety show. One week you’re analysing ancient sculptures, the next you’re listening to classical music, then diving into philosophical arguments, then decoding poetry. It’s wild—but in a good way.
At first, I leaned straight into the creative writing parts. That was my safe space. Exploring language, constructing narrative, playing with tone—it was where I felt most like myself. But as the weeks went on, something started shifting.
When we hit the music and history blocks, I noticed a different kind of excitement bubbling up. I wasn’t just studying—I was feeling. I’d listen to the pieces multiple times, not because I had to, but because I wanted to. I found myself pulling apart lyrics and compositions the same way I used to analyse characters. With curiosity. With care.
The history sections were a surprise favourite too. Especially when they tied into culture and creativity. The way music, politics, and art reflect the times they’re created in—it blew my mind a little. I realised that everything I love—sound, stories, social change—is all connected. That realisation hit deeper than any textbook could.
🎵 Music: The Love I Forgot to Prioritise
Music has always been the soundtrack to my life, even if I didn’t always treat it like a career option. As a kid, I was glued to my radio. As a teen, I was burning CDs, discovering underground gems on LimeWire (RIP), and falling into musical rabbit holes until 3AM. But somewhere along the line, I convinced myself music was a passion, not a path. That it wasn’t “serious” enough.
Turns out, that was nonsense.
Studying music academically—understanding its history, its theory, its cultural weight—lit a fire under me. It made me want to write about it, to work with it, to be in it. The kind of energy I used to put into stories? It’s now going into musical ideas, potential articles, playlists that feel like journal entries.
I’ve started thinking in soundscapes. I walk down the street and imagine how a beat would drop to match the rhythm of my feet. I hear a new song and instantly wonder how I’d describe it in a review—what words would do it justice?
That shift has been huge. Not a rejection of writing, but a transformation of it. A remix.
🛠️ What A111 Has Actually Taught Me
It’s not just about subjects—it’s about skills. This course has quietly upgraded my brain in ways I wasn’t expecting.
- Critical thinking – I question everything now. Not in a paranoid way, but in a curious way. I’m learning to challenge assumptions, including my own.
- Academic writing – I used to be terrified of structure. Now? I see it as a way to channel creativity with clarity. And citations? Not quite friends yet, but we’re speaking.
- Research – I’m no longer overwhelmed by a million tabs. I know how to filter, cross-check, and dig for the why.
- Time management – Okay, it’s still a work in progress (hello, night shifts). But I’ve got systems, shortcuts, and alarms. Lots of alarms.
- Confidence – This might be the biggest one. Sharing ideas in forums, submitting assignments, getting feedback—it’s helped me back myself a bit more.
The best part? These skills bleed into everything. My photography, my writing, even my conversations. It’s like I’ve gained a new lens on the world.
🌠 Looking Ahead: Where This Could Lead
I’m still working it out, but I know I want to be in the world of sound. Whether that’s writing about music, interviewing artists, producing audio content, or getting hands-on in a sound booth—I want to create experiences. Things that move people, like music has always moved me.
There’s something magic about audio. It’s intimate. It wraps around you. And being able to shape that—through writing, editing, storytelling—is a direction that excites me like nothing else right now.
I’ve also started to imagine paths like music journalism, sound design, radio, or post-production. Maybe even blending them into something new. I’m not locked into one role—I’m building a toolbox.
✨ Final Thoughts
If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be leaning toward a career in music and sound, I might’ve laughed. I thought I would never return to education—I thought this was it for me.
Studying Arts & Humanities has reminded me who I am and what I’ve always loved. It’s shown me that the things I thought were hobbies—music, storytelling, creating moods—are actually the core of what I want to do.
So if you’re thinking of diving into something creative, academic, or a bit uncertain—go for it. Don’t worry if your path isn’t straight. Some of the best journeys come with unexpected turns and surprise soundtracks.
Studio DJC 