News, Opinion, Features

Featured Articles

Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.

A City Under Black Smoke: Updates On The California Wildfires - Empoword Journalism

Since 7th January, wildfires have spread across more than 45,000 acres of California. 
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the fires have killed at least 29 people, and 22 people are still missing. Tens of thousands have evacuated and are waiting to find out if their homes are still standing.
As of 28th January, the Palisades fire has covered 23,488 acres and is 95 per cent contained. The Eaton fire, which started soon after, has burned 14,021 acres, and the Hughes fire a furth...

‘There physically aren’t enough seats per student’: Musical chairs in Bristol’s study spaces

By Anna Johnson, Fourth Year, English and FrenchThis year, the university decided to shift its term dates so exams fall before Christmas. In theory, this is a considerate move designed to reduce burnout, allowing students to have a sufficient break over the holidays and a fresh start in January. However, this decision has meant that rather than being at home during the revision period, students are still at university, resulting in study spaces becoming overcrowded.University of Bristol student,...

Peace in the time of notifications: Is it really that bad to be left on read?

By Anna Johnson, Fourth Year, English and French
In an era of instant messaging, Anna Johnson discusses the roles of ghosting, boundaries and communication in maintaining meaningful friendships.In the words of the poet Andrea Cohen - ‘how cavalier people are with language and with silence.’ According to the Thriving Center of Psych, 84 percent of people have been ghosted, but don’t feel too sorry for them yet, because 65 percent of this group have ghosted someone else. There’s an empathy gap betw...

Donald Trump is back in power: how will Bristol students react?

By Anna Johnson, Fourth Year English and French The results of the American presidential election were announced in the early hours of this morning. At the time of writing, Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, holds 223 votes, while Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, leads with 294, having secured swing-state victories.Though Harris was ahead among Hispanic voters, support for Trump has risen since 2020 in this category, up 18 points among male Latino voters. This is one of the most eth...

The graduate market: Is it all doom and despair?

Given that the UK is currently experiencing a financial recession, the graduate job market could be more challenging. While it is undeniably competitive, there is still room for optimism. On average, employers received 86 applications per vacancy for graduate schemes last year – this may seem daunting, but should not be cause for discouragement. Over half of UK job vacancies (57 per cent) in 2023 were at graduate level, indicating that students ent...

Research into ‘rough sex’ at University of Bristol

By Anna Johnson, Second Year, English and FrenchTW: Sexual violenceThe Croft Magazine // Doctor Natasha Mulvihill, senior lecturer in Criminology at the University of Bristol, is researching the concept of ‘non-consensual rough sex’. Her survey seeks to explore incidents in which rough sex is a misused term in place of ‘violent sex’ or assault. If you believe you have experienced this upsetting and confusing sort of sexual experience, Mulvihill’s survey is linked here for anyone who feels comfor...

The man behind the piano: Epigram speaks to Bristol-based YouTuber, Joe Jenkins

Meet Joe Jenkins, the daring 20-year-old youtuber who has taken his acoustic piano all over Bristol, capturing the reactions of the public and harnessing an impressive 300 million views. His creative and innovative attitude to his videos has earned him a mountainous 3.6 million subscribers on Youtube alone.

A born and bred Bristolian, Joe spent his younger years learning to play piano in Mickleburgh Musical Instruments, an independent music shop in Stokes Croft. A ‘big inspiration’ - he reminis