The first time I applied for East 15 Acting School (part of University of Essex) back in 2019, I did not get an offer from any of the courses I was interested in (BA Acting and BA Acting International). That year, I sent auditions to some of the most prestigious acting schools in England and Scotland, but the reality was, I hadn’t done any previous training, so all my self-tapes were quite amateur.

Leaving home is never an easy transition, let alone leaving one’s country and travelling more than 24 hours away. Being an MA student at the University of Essex was my first time leaving India and I went into it not exactly knowing what to expect. But I took a chance, and it would go on to be the best plunge I’d ever take.

It’s a relief to be doing assignments on topics that I actually enjoy, and the sense of freedom is amazing. Even though I am only in my first year, I already feel so connected with Essex and look forward to what the next years ahead bring!