With the new academic year rapidly upon us, I would like to take the opportunity to salute the power of education by paying homage to those teachers who have made an indelible mark on my life.

I would not be the compulsive and passionate reader I am today without the unwitting intervention of Gavin Smith, my A Level English Literature teacher. Due to his deep appreciation for gothic literature seeping into the course material, a love that I had long lost for fiction was reawakened and transformed. His course also taught me to be brave, open-minded and proactive with my reading habits. I would also recommend Gavin’s own novel, Dogfellow’s Ghost. The scene where Henderson first encounters Dogfellow is worthy of sitting alongside the finest gothic that Gavin introduced me to.

When it comes to my development as a student, I am much indebted to Marcus Barrett, my A Level English Language teacher. He joined my college in the Spring term of my first year. I hadn’t got off to the most auspicious start to Further Education, flunking my first winter exam in the subject. I can’t say I was optimistic with having to resit and adjust to a new teacher but the result was testament to a natural educator. Enthusiastic, personable and blessed with the ability to communicate ideas with both clarity and expertise, Marcus helped me go on to finish the course with an A grade (and full marks for the resit).

This turnaround rebuilt my confidence and provided me with the platform for reading Philosophy at the University of Southampton where I was very lucky to have attended the undergraduate modules of Professor Ray Monk. It was a privilege to engage with such a learned and intelligent man whose obvious love for his subject was always inspiring and a joy to share. I spend everyday trying to emulate just a small fraction of that intellectual plane with my own endeavours in the hope that one day I might succeed.

This month's favourites:
   The Beach Boys, Pet Sounds
   John Williams, Stoner
   Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)