Finding Purpose in the Past: Sabrina's Journey to Medieval Literature

Medieval literature isn’t the most conventional field of study, but for Sabrina, it offers a gateway to understanding the rich complexities of history, culture and the human experience. From deciphering ancient manuscripts to uncovering narratives of bygone eras, Sabrina's academic ventures represent the importance of relentlessly pursuing one's passion, even in defiance of societal norms. 

Sabrina is pursuing her Master's in Medieval Literature at the University of York. There, she has carved a path that blends her love for storytelling with her fascination with the past. 

Discovering literature

Sabrina's love for storytelling and the arts took root in Brunei during her GCE O Levels, where literature captured her imagination. "I enjoyed breaking down storylines and understanding how they were constructed," she shared. While her interest in Literature sparked in high school, her real passion ignited at the age of 10 when she discovered Young Adult and Fantasy novels. “The ideas in those books, especially the ones in the fantasy genre, helped fuel my interest in the historical settings they were written in.” 

After graduating from high school, Sabrina decided to pursue a degree in English Literature and Language at the University of Nottingham, a practical step toward following her budding passion for storytelling. 

Sabrina’s time at Nottingham played an essential role in deepening her understanding of Literature and her passions. Spending the first year of her degree at home due to the COVID-19 lockdown, she made sure that her remaining in-person years were vibrant and meaningful, immersing herself in her studies and extracurricular activities. In her second year, Sabrina interned as an editor for the School of English’s literary magazine. She was also a writer for the school’s newsletter, where she honed her skills in analysis and collaboration. "Writing about student events and achievements allowed me to engage with my peers in new ways and understand the broader scope of what literature could encompass." 

Beyond editorial work, Sabrina explored her creativity through theatre, co-heading the Literature and Drama Society. Adopting roles in directing and organising plays, Nottingham's theatre club served as the perfect outlet for Sabrina to further sharpen her ability and confidence in interpreting literary texts. It allowed her to cultivate a well-rounded and multidisciplinary approach to literature and creativity, ultimately deepening her relationship with art.

Yet, it was Sabrina’s choice to go on a one-year exchange programme at Nottingham’s UK campus, where she had the most monumental revelations. Enrolled in a Viking Poetry module, Sabrina was captivated by the cultural richness and nuanced storytelling that its texts provided. The exposure to the period helped foster Sabrina’s fascination with Medieval literature and unveiled how history, written work and mythology could intersect in profound ways. "It was the first time I felt like I could study this as more than just a hobby. It was something I could specialise in."

Nottingham opened the door to a more definitive path, and Sabrina’s love for history and mythology pushed it a little further. This led her to the University of York, where the next chapter in her educational path would be written.

The Decision to Pursue a Master’s Degree 

After completing her degree, Sabrina was initially conflicted about pursuing a postgraduate education in Medieval Literature. As fascinated with the area of study as she was, the leap towards it was as unconventional as it was uncertain. “During the final year of my degree, I prevented thinking about it too much. It was too stressful,” Sabrina admitted.

While her decision to go after a Master’s Degree wasn’t straightforward, York emerged as her clear choice. “I sort of knew that I would want to go to York. It was one of my top choices,” she shared. Her decision was shaped by thorough research and a strong alignment between her interests and the university’s Mediaeval Literature programme. “When I looked up the university's Mediaeval Lit programme and compared it with other universities, I felt like I was the most called to the options they had.” This connection to York’s academic offerings gave her the confidence to take the next step.

Taking a step toward her educational dreams went beyond academia. It required Sabrina to navigate social norms and cultural expectations. The lack of a clear career trajectory in such a niche field often made the choice difficult to defend, both to others and herself. “We’re Asians; travelling across the sea to study a subject like this needed to be justified. We need to have a clear idea of what we plan to do after.”

Despite the conflicting ideas in her head, Sabrina decided to take a leap of faith. While the process was far from ideal, her commitment to following her passion outweighed her fears. The thought of missing the opportunity pushed her to act, even with little time to prepare. 

Life at York

Sabrina’s first steps into her Master’s programme at York came with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. “Even when I started, I had imposter syndrome about whether, one, I’m meant to be here, and two, I’m actually built to do this course,” she said. The initial challenges of adjusting to a Western academic environment and tackling highly specialised coursework added to her uneasiness.

However, Sabrina’s doubts were quickly subdued as she immersed herself in a world she’d long been fascinated by. From learning Medieval Latin to exploring palaeology (the study of ancient handwriting), Sabrina found herself interacting with history in ways she had never imagined. “You sit down and look at these really old manuscripts that are sometimes illegible. It’s fun because it’s like a puzzle.”

Sabrina’s coursework involved interdisciplinary studies that combined literature, archaeology and history. She explored a wide range of deeply engrossing subjects, learning about topics like the transmission of stories through oral traditions and how medieval texts were physically created. She also delved into the materials and techniques used by scribes. “I never thought I’d find myself learning about the chemical composition of ink or the structure of parchment.”

Beyond the theory, Sabrina’s course presented hands-on learning opportunities that added a dimension of learning beyond the textbooks. She participated in practical sessions that allowed her to examine facsimiles of manuscripts and understand how they were bound, annotated and preserved over time. "Working with these manuscripts and artefacts has shown me how interconnected the written word and physical history are. It's like they each tell part of the same story, and together, they make it whole." 

The deeper Sabrina went into York’s academic offerings, the more her confidence and sense of belonging grew. “Now that it’s been about a semester, I think that’s the main thing I’ve come to realise—that yes, I am allowed to be here, and I’m allowed to have this sort of interest,” she reflected. The joy and fulfilment she derives from uncovering hidden stories and preserving the past has transformed her doubts into determination, strengthening her resolve to pursue Medieval Literature as a path.

Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

Coming into the final year of her Master’s programme, Sabrina had come to realise that her time at The University of York goes beyond academic pursuit: it is about acknowledging and enduring the importance that art and history have in shaping our understanding of ourselves. “Art, in all its forms, is a window into humanity,” she shared. “It helps us connect with people who lived hundreds of years ago, reminding us that their struggles, hopes and creativity aren’t all that different from ours today.” 

Sabrina emphasises the profound value of chasing your dreams, unconventional as they may seem. “If you feel a pull toward something, don’t ignore it just because it doesn’t fit a traditional mould,” she advised. “Pursuing what you love might be daunting, but it’s always worth the risk. The things you’re passionate about have a way of finding their place in the world.”

Looking forward, Sabrina remains dedicated to her belief in the transformative power of art and history, aspiring to make them more accessible and relevant to others. Whether through curating exhibitions or teaching, she looks to give back to a world that has brought her so much fulfilment. Her journey is an important reminder that any path can make meaningful contributions when pursued with heart and determination. This path might be unconventional, but it's mine, and I wouldn't trade it for anything."