My name is June Laurenson and I was born and brought up in the beautiful, historic, and literary city of Edinburgh. My husband and I have recently moved back to the city after having spent the past 24 years in the northern Scottish Borders area. After having attended St George’s School for Girls, I went to Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh (Queen Margaret College in those halcyon days), graduating in 1994 with a 2.1 in my BA (Hons) in Nursing Studies. I then worked as a staff nurse for 15 years, firstly in oncology, then for a four year spell in pharmacological/medical research, before finishing up working in theatres and critical care. I loved this last specialty the most and miss it a lot, even now.
However, on having to medically retire from nursing following my third encounter with cancer, I embarked on a new direction in life deciding to exchange the Operating Theatre for a different type of theatre. I commenced my studies in English Literature through the Open University – just to while away the time during my lengthy cancer treatment. On thoroughly enjoying my undergraduate modules and the challenges they set me, I decided to study further, and I obtained my Master’s degree in English in March, 2017. My Master’s Dissertation focussed on Charles Dickens’ changing opinions on mechanisation, following the Industrial Revolution. I traced these through three of his novels: The Old Curiosity Shop, Dombey and Son, and Hard Times, with a smattering of Barnaby Rudge thrown in. Absolutely LOVED researching for this dissertation *sighs*.
I am currently working part-time towards a Doctorate in English Literature at the University of Edinburgh. My thesis focuses on twentieth century British literature, specifically the study of places and settings in Anthony Powell’s 12-volume series of novels which collectively form his A Dance To The Music of Time literary masterpiece. I am absolutely loving writing my thesis, although now – six years in and two interruptions later – I’m very keen to see the back of it (as, I am sure, is my Supervisor!). After my PhD, if I am fortunate enough to gain a Post Doctoral position, I would like to research the associations between synaesthesia and literature. As a synaesthete – who was drawn to Powell’s work through its colour – this area would be of huge personal interest. I would also like to set up a course for learners to study Powell’s Dance, thus exposing this amazing masterpiece to a wider audience and raising the profile of this wonderful author whose work is often overlooked.
More formally, other areas of academic research that I am interested in, past research I have undertaken, and current projects I’m involved in, can be found on my university profile.
I have also been a self-employed Private Tutor in English since 2016, supporting students preparing for formal SQA exams as well as a small group of S1 – S3 BGE students. This is a highly rewarding job and, to date, each of the scores of students I have tutored have performed extremely well. Seeing that ‘lightbulb’ moment of eclaircissement in students who claim that the texts “make sense now”, or watching a reluctant reader develop a love for certain authors and their books, or gain in confidence with their analytical techniques are things money can’t buy.
Non-academic interests and hobbies
I married my husband in 1997 and we have two grown-up children who have now left home to make their own paths in the world. We joke that we have recently ‘replaced’ them in our home with our two dogs who not only bring us much joy but can also be very barky and demanding. To them, my working time is their play-time. However, you have to admit, they are pretty cute (a photo of them is at the bottom of this page).
In any elusive free time I get, I enjoy reading, hiking/ walking, playing the piano, art and craft, playing Scrabble (it’s the only game I win), re-igniting this blogging lark, and spending time with my family. For personal reading, I always resort to Victorian and Edwardian novels – in my opinion, they offer layers to narratives which is incomparable. My favourite authors are Charles Dickens, Anthony Powell (obviously), Anthony Trollope, Sir Walter Scott, and Marcel Proust. I’m apparently an INFJ; I have always preferred staying at home with a good book to going out for social events. I have never been to a nightclub. Not my idea of fun!
I also work voluntarily as a Spiritual Support Responder through YouVersion – a 15 hours-per-week role which I find incredibly rewarding. My Christian faith is very important to me, and to know that when people are at their lowest or most vulnerable and they request prayer for something, I can be there to support them and pray for them over email, gives me a purpose for the non-PhD and non-tutoring elements of my day. Often the experiences I have been through allow me to give honest and personal advice, empathy, and support to these people; I’ve been there and know how it feels!
I also do quite a bit of rowing (as in a boat/on a machine – not the shouting kind). It’s the only sport I can do without injuring myself. I was a keen runner until an injury put paid to my marathon aspirations, leading me to the conclusion that I am safer off just sitting reading my books. Or watching Gilmore Girls on repeated loops on Netflix (much to my husband’s disgruntlement). And drinking tea. Sometimes with cake.
I hope my website is a thing of interest. To search for things I have written about, check out the ‘Categories’ box in the right hand sidebar of my blog, from where you can choose from different subjects. As I am also trying to finish my thesis, I aim to upload items onto my blog four times a week: a longer piece on Tuesdays, one of my photographs (as I try to master photography!) and – if time permits – a longer piece on Thursdays, literary quotations on Saturdays, and Bible quotations on Sundays.
Thank you for visiting.
June's Jottings 