Student story: Daphne Harries

The journey so far  

Tell us about yourself  

"My name is Daphne, a first year English Literature and Language student at Keble College. I live near Stoke-on-Trent, coming from a state-educated background. I am the first person in my family to go to university. This past June I completed the Astrophoria Foundation Year, a programme for students who’ve experienced severe disadvantages or educational disruption. My chosen subject is English, which I now study at undergraduate, but I also read Classics, Theology, and History for two terms as part of the Humanities stream during the Foundation Year.  

What has your time at Oxford been like?  

Certainly inspiring. I've been able to explore texts that I didn't even know existed before coming to Oxford. My tutors throughout the foundation year and undergraduate have been so supportive of my academic curiosity. It's wonderful stepping into a learning environment where there is always a lecture or tutorial that brings a new piece of wonder into everyday life.   

What are you involved in outside of your studies?  

In typical English student fashion, I'm a poet! I've also been getting into various arts and crafts (a great way to spend an essay writing break).  

How did you get involved and what has it brought to your personal/ Oxford experience? 

I've been published as a poet before I came to Oxford. My time here has, however, significantly altered my writing practices. I learned about creative criticism and spent the summer vacation writing non-stop in response to all the topics and themes I studied. That work resulted in a micro chapbook exploring regional mythologies and landscapes, recently published by an indie literary press. I have also contributed poetry to student societies and journals, such as the Cymdeithas Dafydd ap Gwilym society's annual magazine, Y Drych. My poems in the magazine explored Welshness and senses of belonging, which I also wrote about in my extended essay during the Foundation Year last year. Since coming to Oxford, my poetry and academic writing have really grown together, intersecting a lot more!   

 Looking to the future  

 What are your future aspirations?  

I certainly hope I'll keep writing. A full-length pamphlet before I graduate is one of my main aspirations. I'd like to gain more experience in the overlapping heritage and creative industries. It's very difficult to come from a disadvantaged background and break into these sectors, but Oxford's internships and careers services help eliminate these barriers. My interests are quite interdisciplinary since doing my foundation year, so I'm hoping to explore subjects like environmental humanities in the future. I'm also starting a new journal with a friend of mine, which will start a new chapter for my involvement in Oxford's literary community.  

 Are there any opportunities for other students to get involved/what advice would you share with other students?  

I'd strongly encourage any prospective Oxford applicants to consider the Astrophoria Foundation Year! This programme completely altered my perception about Oxford. It really instilled a sense of belonging, which was very transformative for someone coming from a disadvantaged background.  

For current Oxford students: publish your writing! I meet so many students who have a real passion for creative writing but have never submitted it anywhere. Oxford's incredible range of literary societies and magazines means that there is always going to be a publication that suits your writing. It's the best way to kickstart getting your work out there!”