Alumni spotlight: Emma Campbell Webster (2000, BA English)
Emma Campbell Webster read English Language and Literature at Harris Manchester from 2000-2003 and went on to work as an actress in theatre and television before transitioning to writing with her first book, "Lost in Austen, Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure", recently re-issued as "You Are Elizabeth Bennet" by Faber & Faber. A profound spiritual experience then led Emma on a long detour along the spiritual path before eventually bringing her back to writing.
Emma Campbell WebsterI loved what a supportive environment and community it was, and deeply appreciated being part of a student body that was diverse in age and background.
What are you doing now?
I am currently working on a follow up to You Are Elizabeth Bennet, as well as another project that I’ve been working on for a few years. My ideas tend to have a very long incubation period, which has sometimes been frustrating, but I am learning to trust and appreciate the process! I have two daughters so my time is not always my own, but I am devoted to my writing practice and am extraordinarily grateful that I get to do this for a living.
What are your best memories of Harris Manchester?
I have very fond memories of croquet and Pimm's on the lawn in summer, and carols and mulled wine at the end of Michaelmas term – which was always so early in December that it was an excellent way to get the festive season started. I have a particular fondness for the library since it was there that I first had the idea for You Are Elizabeth Bennet (while trying to write an essay about something else entirely). Overall, I loved what a supportive environment and community it was, and deeply appreciated being part of a student body that was diverse in age and background.
How did Harris Manchester shape you?
I think the fact that I got to earn my degree alongside a group of people who were all aware of what a tremendous privilege it was, was very, very special. My contemporaries had already been out in the world and knew that life wasn’t always going to be this magical, that there wouldn’t always be this amount of time to devote to following one’s own interests, that we might not always be able to do it in such extraordinary company. I believe this made us all treasure it all the more, and meant we left Oxford with just the right balance of confidence and humility.
What advice would you give to current students?
Drink it all in, savour each and every moment, and never take any of it for granted. Take a moment to consider all those who have passed through those halls before you, and all those who will come after, and your place in that continuum. No matter what happens to you when you leave, whether it’s what you’re hoping for or some other path life decides to take you on, this moment in time will live on in you. Make the most of it.