Keith Derrick

I was looking into what graduate school programs I would like when a friend and I went to a wedding. She lives in Edinburgh and suggested I consider the University of Edinburgh’s English department. My initial reaction was sceptical. I did not think overseas education would be affordable. I quickly came to realize the overall cost would be far less. With that burden off my shoulders I was able to relax and focus on my studies.

Meeting my cohort was an enriching experience. Whether it was cramming all of us into a single room to watch a sci-fi movie, going out for a pub crawl, or even traveling to Oslo, I knew I could always count on them to make me feel like I was part of a family.

Your experiences since leaving the University

Since leaving Edinburgh, I have chosen to continue my education. I attended Kennesaw State University’s MAT Secondary English program to become a high school English teacher. As rewarding an experience as that was, I felt that was not for me.

I am now attending Georgia State University’s PhD English program to work on my research into asexual characters in literature. I was even invited to present my research at the 2019 UK Asexuality Conference in Edinburgh and have been interviewed by programs focused on the Ace/Aro community like Slice of Ace. I have also published three books, Edinburgh Exile I, The American Tales, and One Hand Clapping.

​​​​​​​I was even invited to present my research at the 2019 UK Asexuality Conference in Edinburgh and have been interviewed by programs focused on the Ace/Aro community like Slice of Ace.

Alumni wisdom