Jae Won (January) Sim

BA Drama

What has been the highlight of your time at Exeter?

Having spent my undergraduate life in the multicultural environment at the University of Exeter, I was able to learn how to communicate and live with different people from different cultures. As an ethnic minority from South Korea, I found it difficult to adjust to the British lifestyle in Exeter. However, I have met glorious people from different backgrounds, helping me gain confidence, share invaluable memories and continuously teach each other about what it is like to learn.

What will you miss the most about University?

I will miss my study buddies who were staying up late in the library with me. I will miss the moonlight at the Great Hall during break times. I will miss the fountain by Washington Singer where I could hear the sounds of nature. I will miss the outside view from TS1 and TS2 in Thornlea. I will especially miss Thornlea where I spent more time than in my room by studying, rehearsing, and having fun with Drama.

What did you enjoy about your particular programme?

I enjoyed two modules the most. I loved the second year optional practical module 'Choreography' by Pamela Wood. I learned to take ownership by making a solo dance piece from scratch. I gained a lot of confidence in the process of creating. I also enjoyed the third year optional theory module 'Theatre for Climate Change' by Evelyn O'Malley. I learned the importance of humanity's perspective on global warming issues, which are often considered as only scientific, social and political issues. This module encouraged me to research the issues. I was able to build a network of specialists in climate change through the Grand Challenges programme, which further encourages me to research climate change.

What advice would you give to current and future students?

Be free to try. Experiment. Be adventurous. Try to see what you like and what you don't like. Get to know yourself by meeting different people. At the end of the day, after several achievements and regrets and failures throughout the university life, what you have to figure out is what describes 'you' as a person, and what you enjoy.

What are your plans now that you have graduated?

All I know is: I want to keep making art. I want to show the world what I have learned at the University of Exeter.