Alexandra Davis

Alex Davis is currently a part-time PhD candidate in Classical and Archaeological Studies in Kent, where she also serves as an Outreach Ambassador. Having earned both her BA in Classical & Archaeological Studies and MA in Ancient History from Kent, Alex is deeply connected to the university.

Her research focuses on the exile poetry of Ovid, and she is passionate about inspiring others through her outreach work. After completing her PhD, she hopes to continue her career in Outreach.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

Since I completed my MA Ancient History I have progressed to PhD study, again at Kent.   I feel a strong sense of belonging to this University, and both work and study here.  I love my subject, so it is a pleasure to be able to continue to study it.

I have continued to work for Outreach and Widening Participation at Kent too, and now work every Thursday in the OWP office as well as on the variety of events and sessions we offer.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

My days vary considerably, so there isn't really a typical one.

My PhD is part-time, so I work on that for approximately half of each week, depending on circumstances.  My thesis considers the exile poetry of the Roman poet Ovid, which was written in Latin.  Ovid was exiled late in life, and sent to the extreme edge of the Roman Empire.  This placed him in a challenging logistical situation, as Roman poets usually read new work out loud to their audiences.  This is now impossible for Ovid, so he must find new ways to reengage his audience.

His exile poetry is deeply mournful and angry.  It is epistolary in form, requesting audience sympathies for his exilic situation.  He attempts to (re)engage and (re)connect with his audience from a distance, by depicting his physical and mental struggles, whilst also asking serious questions about the Roman Emperor's use of power.  The depiction of his new home as the Underworld is a recurrent feature, and the poetry is focused on rebuilding his poetic - and personal - reputation.  The exile poetry is therefore markedly different in subject matter, tone, and format to his pre-exile work.  I show that his efforts were successful as his poetry has not only been preserved for over 2000 years, but has continued to be the source of inspiration for exiled writers throughout that time.

I spend my study time working on translating and analysing the Latin texts, writing up my findings, and reading the scholarship.

I also work as an Ambassador, Tutor, Adult Learning Mentor, and A-Level Mentor for Kent's Outreach and Widening Participation Department.  This means that I work with students of all ages and backgrounds in colleges and schools across the county, demystifying the University system and inspiring them to make the best choice for their futures.  This can involve travelling to colleges and schools, as well as work on campus events.

So my days are varied which keeps it interesting, but I always make time to relax and to spend time with friends.  My partner works at Kent, and we try to meet for lunch every day, depending on our timetables!  This means I get to see him so much more too, and that has enhanced both of our experiences of campus life.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

My Outreach work is my professional highlight.  I was nominated by our staff for a national Outreach award in 2023, which I won.  That was a huge honour: https://www.kent.ac.uk/student/news/34550/kent-stars-award-winning-ambassador 

My job makes me happy. We see every day how much of a positive impact we have on students.  It is so important for everyone to make the best choices for their future, whether that is University or another career path.  I particularly enjoy working with Mature Students, many of whom think it is too late, or that University is not for them.  Seeing people excited and inspired to make the leap to University, is wonderful.  I have made so many friends through my job - staff and ambassadors too.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

My Undergraduate and Master's study are fundamental to my PhD study.  I studied Latin and Ancient Greek during both courses, which has been crucial.  Writing dissertations for both degrees ensured that I was ready to make the leap to a much longer piece of writing.  The amazing staff in Classics have been a huge part of my journey, inspiring me, supporting me, and teaching me so much.  I have two brilliant PhD supervisors, who provide support, as well as helpful and constructive feedback on my writing and research.  My student journey owes so much to so many people.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Go for it!  It is never too late to study, or to follow your heart.  Find a subject which you find fascinating and pursue it - whatever that subject is.  Take the step, throw yourself into your studies and to all the other opportunities at Kent.  There is so much support here too, and the transferable skills we learn whilst students are those which we need for post-University work.  Likewise, the transferrable skills that I learned during my pre-University career has helped immensely with my studies: like time management, organisation, and team work are so important for studying whatever subject we take. I left school after A-Levels in 1993, and I know I was not the student then that I am now.  I came to Kent at 41 years old, worried that I wouldn't fit in, because I was much older than many of our students.  That wasn't true, and I continue to feel such a connection to Kent, to my subject, and to my Outreach work.  I have never regretted returning to study.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

Countless things.  The highlight is serving on the committee of the Mature Student Society for 6 years, and I have been, and continue to be a member of several other societies.   I am the Student Representative for the Postgraduate Research Students in Classics, and I take that role very seriously, advocating on behalf of students with the Division and University.  Our voices are heard and appreciated, and acted on where possible, which makes that work most worthwhile.

There is always something fun or interesting going on on campus - everything from sports to food festivals to public talks.  The extracurricular events are just as much a part of student life, whether you live on campus or not (I don't!), and I engage with those as much as possible. It matters to me that I make a difference to this community, to repay the life changing experience I have had as a mature student here.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

It is hard to choose one!  I worked in the Archives at Canterbury Cathedral for a term, one day a week, as part of a module.  I have learned 2 ancient languages.  I have read many beautiful ancient texts and learned to appreciate poetry.  I have learned to fence, and to knit and crochet.  I have made many wonderful friends from across the world.  I have been to some fascinating talks.  I have earned 2 degrees and am working on being a Doctor.  I believe that I have made a difference to this community and I have found a future career in a job which makes me happy while I am here.  I should really also mention that we see wild rabbits hopping about on campus every day too.However, if I have to choose just one, then it is attending the NEON Awards at the House of Commons, representing the University of Kent's Outreach and Widening Participation Department, and winning NEON Student of the Year Award 2023.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

I cannot think of anything I would do differently. It continues to be a most valuable experience.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes, as I am still a student here. However, I am still in contact with many friends - staff and students - who have left Kent and/or graduated.

What are your future ambitions?

I wish to pursue a career in Outreach, post-PhD. This will hopefully be here at Kent.