Seven Questions with... Françoise Hélène

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

Alongside my works, I’m currently pursuing a part-time master's degree in the innovative field of creative health with a specific focus on creative writing and wellbeing. I currently deliver therapeutic poetry workshops, but I’m in the process of developing my practice.

I love this subject because the arts, music, poetry and literature are a big part of my life. They’ve also positively contributed to my development when I was a child, helping me navigate through life when I felt lost, confused and sad.

Creativity helps me live a healthier life so I want to help others increase their wellbeing and process emotions through highly creative processes.

In the near future, I intend to perform, deliver talks and therapeutic workshops and pursue a career in content writing, science communication and the creative industry. I’ve recently begun writing children’s books for children in schools and hospitals, so this is something that will come to life a bit later on. I love a variety in the work that I do and most importantly, I need space to create!

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

In the past year, I’ve been collaborating with photographers in London to create meaning and a story behind the imagery. My love for photography expanded in the past year and has led me to join the Fashion (MODO) Society at UCL. I’ve done modelling for MODO and it’s been so much fun. I’m also writing pieces for their magazine.

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

I’m not sure how trendy this is, but I really love spending time at the main campus library and the Institute of Archaeology Library. The Institute of Archaeology has a lot of plants in it with lots of old books. Other than doing research and writing poetry there, I also rented a room so I could film content for my YouTube videos, so it’s been a real gem for me!

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

The National Gallery, attend an event at the Southbank Centre, Hampstead Heath

What’s one thing you’d like to see in a post-Covid world?

With Covid came an increase in technology, so I’d love to see a shift in online content. Social media can cause a lot of harm, but if we create educational, inspiring, and authentic content, it can also help us connect.

Who inspires you and why?

Louise Gluck and Robert Frost are some of my biggest inspirations! I find their poetry inspiring, well written, unique and they teach us a lot about life. I also love Oprah Winfrey because she’s so philosophical, wise and motivational.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I’ve done hip-hop dancing at school for ten years and I’ve mostly learnt English through music lyrics and travelling (French is my first language).