After retiring, Rifat finally had time to embrace her lifelong passion for books. Here, she talks about studying Literature at City Lit, including overcoming her fears and rediscovering the joy of learning…
Why did you decide to study literature at City Lit?
Well, I've recently retired, so I wanted to do the things I couldn’t do while working. One of those things was studying literature. So far, I’ve studied 19th-century French and Russian literature, as well as Ancient Greek drama. I'm going to be 70 this year, so it's my time to do the things I've always wanted to do without pushing them back any longer.
Video: Rifat Wahhab
Have you always been interested in books?
I've read literature all my life, but it's always been at the end of the night when I had work, family, everything going on. So, when that responsibility was over, retirement actually allowed me to come to a place like City Lit and read things that I've always wanted to read. I could do it in the daytime when my brain and body were fresh and alert, meaning I could absorb so much more.
What have you enjoyed most about studying at City Lit?
Studying here has allowed me to explore literature in depth and has introduced me to new writers that I'll now be reading for the rest of my life. For instance, I’d never really read poetry before, but now I can approach it with a deeper understanding. Also, reading Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground was very meaningful to me, it opened me up to a new form of literature. City Lit opens your eyes to new things that you will want to keep pursuing even after you’ve finished the course.
Have you faced any challenges while studying?
The challenge I initially faced was that it had been around 25 years since I formally studied. So I was quite worried about, “Am I going to be able to fit in? Will I be able to participate in classes?” But my tutor Richard Niland made it all feel very possible, meaning I was able to deal with my anxiety early on. I didn't feel awkward saying things, I felt relaxed and enjoyed listening to other people.
What would you say to someone thinking of doing a college course after retirement?
Use your retirement time well and don't waste it, this is your time to blossom and be happy. On my first day at City Lit, a student in class said something that will stick with me forever. He said that he was 80 years old and cycled to the college every morning for lectures. And I echo that — I want to study here for a long time because this is doing me good. Reclaiming my time feels fantastic, it’s wonderful to sit in a classroom and listen to a great lecture. It’s a luxury and a treat. City Lit has given me an opportunity to make the most of my retirement.
Many thanks to Rifat for sharing her experiences of studying literature at City Lit. Find out about other students’ journeys with acting, painting and massage therapy.
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