Katie Goodacre, BA (Hons) Education Studies student, has put her time to brilliant use during the recent COVID-19 lockdown. Katie has turned her dream of becoming a children’s book writer into a reality and is set to get her first book published this month.
Hi! I’m Katie and I’m a third-year BA (Hons) Education Studies student here at Birmingham City University (BCU). I’ve always had an interest in education and worked as a Teaching Assistant for a few years before enrolling at university. In particular, I’m really interested in educational philosophy, policy and practice, hence why the BCU Education Studies course has been the perfect choice for me! I enjoy studying at BCU because of their good reputation for industry links, employability and supportive staff, therefore I cannot wait to see what this study year brings!
World Mental Health Day
As well as being interested in education, I’m a passionate mental health advocate. On World Mental Health Day (10 October 2020), I have my very first children’s book coming out! My book is called ‘Miley’s Mind’ and aims to improve children’s mental health, by encouraging children to talk about their feelings. It also highlights how abuse, bullying and grief can impact emotional well-being. The main character in the book is a labradoodle called Miley. The short story follows Miley on her mission to mend her poorly mind.
Miley’s character is based on my actual dog, who helped me recover from my own anxiety and other mental health conditions, and this is how she became the main inspiration for this story. Plus, when I have previously worked in schools and other childcare settings, I have witnessed a growing number of children suffer with poor mental health; which encouraged me further to work on the book to help combat this.
Published book
I feel extremely excited by the fact my book is about to be published. At the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, it felt like a mere dream and I honestly cannot believe that, seven months down the line, this dream is now a reality! I started talking to my publisher – Pink Parties Press – back in August 2019 but, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to start work straight away. Despite the miserable, unprecedented circumstances that lockdown brought, I was able to focus on a project that I hope will help others for years to come.
I have no idea what the future will bring for ‘Miley’s Mind’! I hope to continue with my writing/illustrating and maybe create a sequel at some point. I am also really interested in educational research and looking at mental health in schools and universities, so that is a path I may follow too – who knows?!
BCU's support
On a final note, I would really like to thank Birmingham City University for their support with the promotion of my book. I feel very lucky to be studying at such a diverse, dynamic institution that supports students with their projects in the way that BCU has done. For those thinking about studying at BCU in the future….. DO IT!
Miley’s Mind is available to pre-order now on Amazon!
If you’re a current enterprising BCU student, why don’t you take advantage of our Graduate+ extra-curricular awards framework and let us help you build upon your current skill set. You’ll have the chance to consider new ideas, network with others, attend events, work on projects – all of which will help you to grow both professionally and personally for your future, and beyond.
Plus, remember if you have any questions on your career and would like to seek more information or help, please contact BCU’s Careers+ Team.
Perhaps our next blog will be showcasing your book or new business venture!
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