Kerensa Jennings (Modern Languages, 1989)
Kerensa read Modern Languages at Hertford before forging a diverse and successful career working for BBC and HRH Duke of York, as well as publishing her own poetry and novels.
Going up to Hertford was the most intimidating thing I had ever done. Neither of my parents – or anyone else in my family – had A Levels or gone to university. So when I made it, we all took a little while to get used to the idea.
I can hardly believe how life has unfolded since then. I’m an author, a professor, a strategist, a TV producer and an executive coach. I credit my time at Hertford for so much of what I have gone on to achieve. I was already a very hard working, dedicated person. But my time as a student opened my eyes to the wonder of the world. The value of giving people a chance. How precious it can be to light a spark in someone, to ignite their potential. The importance of diversity. And it fostered my lifelong love of literature.
I read Modern Languages and crucially, the texts I devoured inspired my flourishing passion for poetry. I was particularly intrigued and touched by the works of Rainer Maria Rilke. Indeed, my fascination for his work features heavily in my recently published debut novel, a psychological thriller called ‘Seas of Snow’. Likewise, my thesis – ‘Persecution and Revenge of the Innocents’ – a psychoanalytical study of Grimms’ fairy tales. My interest in archetypes and themes of good and evil was cultivated at Hertford and again, this is the silver thread that runs through my novel.
Career highlights include being Programme Editor of Breakfast with Frost; the BBC’s Election Results Editor; and the BBC’s Head of Strategic Delivery. I now work at Buckingham Palace as Director, Office of HRH The Duke of York.
If I could have a word with my nervous, anxious, insecure eighteen-year-old self, walking into OB Quad for the first time, I would give her a big smile and a hug. And I would tell her life would be full of challenges and difficulties, but also untold opportunities. I’d tell her she would be ok. And I would quote Rilke: “Life has not forgotten you… it will not let you fall.”