Katy Hughes

I am a final year undergraduate from England. I'm still very new at writing professionally, but I have been writing for my own enjoyment in one form or another since I was about six years old. I started with poetry and short stories, but have recently expanded into non fiction and more informative/analytical pieces.

I am studying a joint honours bachelor's degree, the main focus of which has been Politics. In particular, I have focused on the politics of the European Union, and the effects of nationalism and ethnic conflict around the world. I have also been lucky enough to study abroad with students from Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland. This has given me a real insight into the politics of Central and Eastern Europe.

The other half of my degree deals with American Studies. I have an extensive knowledge of how the American political system functions, and am particularly knowledgeable on the subject of the Presidency and the Executive Branch. In addition, I have spent some time studying twentieth century American literature and film, and am currently writing a dissertation on Jack Kerouac and the Beat Generation.

I have spent the last two summers working in restaurant kitchens. This has given me a real insight into the dynamics of the kitchen as a workplace, and has also extended my knowledge of how the service industry works as a whole. Of course, it has also taught me a lot about food and the art of cooking.

Up until the age of seventeen, I attended a local dance school. I have participated in dozens of performances, the highlights of which have been taking part in a variety show at Her Majesty's Theatre, London, and competing in the All England Dance festival at Sadler's Wells. I am a huge fan of the performing arts, and love being on either side of the stage.

My passion is travelling. Experiencing different cultures and exploring the world is a great way to expand my horizons as a writer, in that it supplies me with both new subject matter and alternate points of view to my own.

You can read other articles that I've written at www.helium.com/users/91779