January 2022

Ryan Price

BA (Hons) Drama 2018

1.  Tell us about yourself. 

My name is Ryan Price, and I am from Birmingham, United Kingdom. I moved to university in 2015, with a fear of not knowing anyone or worrying that a university setting would be overwhelming and require a lot of work, which is correct! After completing my BA (Hons) in Drama in 2018, I moved into working within an education setting and progressed to work in admissions for an international college. Alongside this, I read and research into the work done within prisons to help rehabilitation. At the age of 26 years old, I recently retook my GCSE English to enhance my professional development, as surely it is never too late to achieve better results!

2.  What is your fondest memory at Anglia Ruskin University?

For me, it was the high level of understanding from tutors and lecturers. The lecturers really helped me throughout the course to understand what was required and they would always squeeze you into their busy schedule to speak about any worries you had. Another favourite memory was our final showcase, which as a cohort we had to arrange, market and build a performance to take into Cambridge Junction.

3.  What has been your favourite job? 

I love the role that I am currently in, as the company CATS Global Schools provides me with the opportunity of expressing my own opinions and gives everyone the opportunity of becoming involved. Following the BLM movement, the company split off into many groups, of which I am part of the recruitment group, to make the schools and the workplace a better and more understanding place both culturally and mentally. We have been discussing things such as: salary, diversity statement and much more.

4.  In one word how would you describe Anglia Ruskin?

Empowering.

5.  How did your time at Anglia Ruskin help you? 

It helped me massively to become a more independent person. The staff and support teams were always there to help.

6.  What did you love about your chosen course?

Each day on the course, and each day of teaching was made enjoyable, I think because there was an equal split between practice and theory. The course allowed us to explore our own methods and question the use of others. Moving to university, I dreaded the idea of a dissertation, but throughout the first two years, I learnt so much that ideas just started flowing and before I knew know it you have 10 thousand words on a piece of paper and you are graduating.

7.  What advice would you give to current students as they're preparing to graduate? 

You will become a world changer. You are now part of a huge Alumni Network and the university is there to support you!

8.  What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst studying?

I wish I had known how to get more out of the opportunities provided, and also, how easy it is to speak with the staff and obtain that help to achieve better results.

9.  Who was the biggest influence on your career?

Dr Heather Lilley – One of my lecturers at ARU and dissertation advisor.

10.  What advice would you give your younger self?

Never let anyone tell you that grades will define your future, keep going and achieve your best!

11.  Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.

I used to help run and organize Macmillan Cancer Support Runs in Birmingham and once dressed up as a Coffee Mug mascot.

12.  What's next?

I'm hoping to go on to do my PGCE and get into teaching to give something back to the younger generation.