Cyrus is a BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing student who recently completed a placement with the Speech and Language department at Leeds Beckett University. Here, Cyrus explains how the two subjects intersect and the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of the placement.

Course: BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing

Over the course of the last few weeks, I've had the amazing opportunity to complete a placement with the Speech and Language department at Leeds Beckett University. As an English and Creative Writing student at the university, I'd initially been apprehensive about this type of work experience as it's like nothing I've ever attempted before. I'm glad to say that with the support of my colleagues and mentor, this has blossomed into an experience I couldn't imagine living without.

This placement easily became a work experience that I thoroughly enjoyed and wish to pursue further into an active career. Fashioning creative writing workshops and sessions for individual need has been a comforting, yet engaging experience for me. It's been a pleasure taking part in the growth of a community and engaging within this setting that would otherwise be cut off to me.

During my placement, I've been interacting on a professional level with clients living with aphasia and providing them with interactive creative writing workshops that promote the building of language and word-finding skills. These sessions have been utilised to build the clients' confidence regarding their own language needs, and to produce a small portfolio of their work and progress, ranging from poetry to short stories and world-building scenes.

It's been a truly inspiring experience to support the growth of another human being, and it's shown me the true value of the work the Speech and Language department do. I personally love how my skills were utilised by the team in creating and running workshop sessions for the clients, both in individual meetings and group sessions. It's opened my eyes to the versatility of a career in language, showing how there are no degree boundaries when it comes to helping and supporting the people who need it.

Working within a clinic setting is a breath of fresh air compared to what I'd previously been used to, and I can honestly say that I adore the professionalism involved in doing so. This work experience has not just been about me getting involved and supporting other people's growth, but it's supported my own growth on a professional level. I feel more confident, well-spoken and fully engaged with my own skill set thanks to this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing on this journey and developing further.

I strongly recommend taking this opportunity if it's offered to you. It may seem daunting at first - and have you feeling as though you're unqualified for the role - but it's astounding how quickly that can change, and how your own view of your skill set can change through this placement. It's an experience that's changed me for the better, both professionally and personally.