"I first visited York on a school trip in February of Year 12. Having snowed the previous night and the lake was frozen over making the whole place beautiful."
"I could instantly picture myself studying here."
Introducing this week's Human of York, William:
"The structure of the music course as well as the vibrant student media scene here swayed me too. As somebody with a love for news and broadcasting, the presence of award-winning student media outlets, and so many students with shared interests, made this university hard to compete with for me.
"I live on the Isle of Man and since a young age I’ve been intrigued by broadcasting. So when we did work experience at school, I put Manx Radio (the national public service broadcaster) at the top of my list.
"I somehow got lucky, securing a week's placement there. After my placement, I was keen to do more and I ended up being offered work experience in the newsroom over the summer holidays.
"I’ve had lots of exciting experiences because of my involvement with the station, including taking part in live outside broadcasts and producing shows. 'Youth in Politics', a documentary I produced which looked at engagement between sixth formers and politicians on the Isle of Man, won the Best Factual category at the inaugural Young Audio Awards in 2019. As part of the prize I was able to tour BBC Radios 1 and 2 and met the likes of Matt Edmondson, Ken Bruce and Jeremy Vine.
"When I pictured myself attending university, I didn’t quite have the current situation in mind. I’m definitely a people person, so I’d been looking forward to meeting my flatmates, course friends and those involved with various societies.
"Luckily for me, the music department has been innovative in its delivery of the course, allowing live music making to continue.
"Furthermore, although not in the flesh, I’ve met the wonderful team at University Radio York and I've taken on the role of News Editor."
William, Music, James College, Humans of York, February 2021
