Christian Winterbottom: BA Hons English

Christian Winterbottom

BA Hons English, 1995

Christian is currently working for the Early Coalition of Northwest Florida as a research specialist for children from birth through to five. He also teaches early education classes part-time at the Gulf Coast Community College.

Christian applied to the University of Bedfordshire (Luton Campus) through Clearing. He said! “I had never been to Luton before so I was excited about going to a new university which also offered the course I wanted - Modern English Studies. It seemed like a good choice to be part of something new.

“The Modern English course was really interesting and informative. I definitely made the right decision going to Luton.

“My class had a diverse mix of students. We all got on so well together that we even managed to put together a football team for a local pub. I’m a great supporter of Manchester United and, I’m originally from Ashton-Under-Lyne.

“When I came to Luton in 1993 there was huge influx of students. We saw great development within the university and the town and, by the time we left, it had really begun to thrive.

“When I left university I was looking in the Guardian newspaper and I saw this great job opportunity for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instructor in Japan. I thought, why not? And off I went. I sold my house, car and left everything behind. I’m so glad I did. I was soon promoted to the head office as a trainer for new teachers.

“My degree has been my passport to travel and work around the world. Without it I wouldn’t be in the position I am now.”

Christian met his wife Shauna while working in Japan. On their first date they decide to climb Mount Fuji. Christian said: “There were shooting stars all around us, it was freezing, but as we sat there watching the stars we both knew we had found the ‘one’.”

Seven weeks after their first date Christian proposed to Shauna, nine months later they were having their wedding in Scotland, all thanks to Christian’s parents who had organised it on their behalf. They now have a little boy called Connor.

Christian and Shauna moved to Florida after living in Japan for three years. He is currently studying for his Master’s degree at Florida State University. On completion of his Master’s degree in Early Education, he plans to continue to study a PhD in the same subject.

Christian and his family have plans to return to the UK and hopes that his qualifications will help to transform early education.

Interview: January 2007