Amy’s Pathway: Pursuing English Literature at Leeds

Amy’s love for books didn’t just shape her academic path—it became the foundation of her journey from Bangkok Patana School to choosing English Literature at the University of Leeds. It wasn’t always a straightforward path. “So, yeah, I liked reading,” Amy says with a smile, “Then I realised that I really liked analysing and understanding what the text meant. I tried a creative writing course, but I found that I enjoyed analysing other people’s work more—giving feedback, breaking it down and figuring out the deeper meanings.”

Her love for literature evolved over the years, nurtured by the environment at Bangkok Patana, where she was surrounded by books both in and out of the classroom. She spent years volunteering in the school libraries, an experience that began in Primary School and continued into her Secondary years. “I’ve been stuck with books for a very long time,” she laughs. Amy’s academic curiosity led her to attend a summer course at the University of Nottingham, where she worked with a professor who pushed her to refine her analytical skills. “Basically, my professor would ask, ‘How can you improve this?’ and no one else could really give an answer. I was so engaged compared to everyone else—most of them just wanted to write their own thing. But I loved learning about why writers write, what their intentions are, and all the layers behind their work.”

Her passion for literature and analysis translated into real-world applications at Patana. She joined Right to Read, a community engagement project where she collaborated with a friend to create a children’s biology book. “I actually helped animate and draw the pictures for it,” she says. While the book was never formally published, it was printed and shared within the school community.

Beyond her academic and literary pursuits, Amy was an active participant in school life, embracing leadership roles that allowed her to make an impact. She served as a Well-Being Ambassador, as the Captain for Phuket House and became a Student Delegate, acting as a bridge between students and teachers. “I quite like teamwork,” she says. “I think because my parents are teachers, I’ve always been able to understand both sides—the students and the teachers—and communicate between them.”

Amy’s drive to help others extended beyond leadership roles. She privately tutored younger students, an experience that inspired her to consider teaching as a possible career. “I might go into teaching,” she says thoughtfully, “Or maybe work in the EU or the UN—I really like humanitarian aid and helping people. So, it’s either teaching kids or working in international aid.”

Her well-rounded school experience also included the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), where she completed all three levels—Bronze, Silver and Gold. “DofE was one of my favorite things in school,” she says. “I think every school should do it. It’s such a great character-building experience. Exams and academics are important, but DofE is about perseverance, resilience and teamwork.”

For her Silver and Gold expeditions, she chose cycling, an experience that deepened her love for the outdoors. “I really like camping, nature, and adventure, which is why all my university choices were up north,” she explains. “I wanted a break from the city and a chance to explore.”

Her resilience is perhaps best illustrated by her journey in English itself. “My first grade in English was a D,” she admits. “That was in Year 10. I worked my way up to getting A’s, and now I’ve been accepted to study English Literature at university. I always tell younger students—if you love something, keep trying.”

That message of perseverance is something she shared directly with Year 11 students during a motivational talk about revision strategies. “When I said that, a lot of them looked relieved—like they realised they still had a chance in the subject,” she says. “That was a really cool moment.”

Now, as she prepares to embark on her university journey, Amy is excited for what’s ahead. Whether her future lies in education, humanitarian work, or writing, one thing is certain: her love for literature, analysis, and learning will continue to guide her path.

“I think the more I learn about how other people write and why they write, the more I’ll be able to create something meaningful myself,” she reflects. “Maybe one day, I’ll actually write something—or help others to.”

One chapter may be closing, but for Amy, the real story is just beginning.