New segment!

Every month we're going to interview a WCE creator, to help us all get to know the community better. This month, we have Emma-Louise Bullions, whose channel is DSM: Wannabe Linguist, and who can be found as @WannabeLinguist on Twitter.



What are your videos about?



I make videos on linguistics and language learning. My favourite things to talk about personally are etymology, slang and essentially anything pertaining to Swedish -- but my aim is to cover (and discover) as much of the field as I can.



What drives you to make videos?



Well, aside from my insatiable desire to be liked, I’ve always found something incredibly admirable in people who take the time to educate others. The number of people I’ve met who have missed out on so much in life because they weren’t given the chance to learn breaks my heart -- so if someone can take any piece of information away from my work that benefits them, I’ve done the best I can do.



Who are you making videos for?



I’m making my videos for the students who, like myself, are passionate about language and are maybe still figuring everything out. I dropped out of college because I followed a career path I wasn’t passionate about and I struggled in earlier academic settings because I couldn’t focus and the teachers never knew quite what to do with me. I want the people watching my videos to understand that asking questions or not getting something straight away doesn’t make you stupid and that it’s perfectly okay to refresh your brain every now and again. They’re learning with me, not just from me.



Who’s one EduTuber whose work inspires you?



Dang, you’re gonna make me choose just one? Can I get back to you with an answer in about five years or so?



Where do you live?



I live in Paignton, which is a little seaside town in the south-west of England, which we excitingly refer to as the “Westcountry”. My best friend and I share a tiny flat on top of an enormous hill, which is horrendous if you don’t drive, like us -- but the views of the ocean never get old.



What’s your non-video-making life like?



Honestly, I’m remarkably boring. I work as a photographer and editor when I’m not writing videos, so a lot of my time is spent at home in front of a screen. Outside of work, I like to travel to as many places as I can. On a budget, of course -- my job isn’t a 6-figure one yet!



Do you have a pet?



I have three! Their names are Sooty, Mocha & Angus and they are the most wonderful cats I’ve ever met. I think I finally understand what parenthood is like.



Do you have any hobbies?



Outside of linguistics and travel, I’m naturally very interested in language learning. I’m not fluent in anything outside of English just yet, but I’m mildly conversational in Swedish and my French isn’t too bad. I’d list all the courses I’m taking on Duolingo but I’m sure you don’t want this interview to go on forever.



What’s the weirdest thing you’ve done for a video?



For reaching 400 subscribers 3 years ago, I celebrated by dancing in the street with a saucepan on my head. My niece and nephew found out and came to watch, so keeping a straight face for that was challenging!



Tell me one other thing you’d like people to know about you.



In 2012, I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, which is a serious mental illness that has had a dramatic impact on my life and the people in it. I’ve always strongly advocated for more education on this condition because it’s still very heavily stigmatised in the media, even today. By being on YouTube and remaining open and honest about my health, I hope that I can make others in a similar situation feel less scared, less alone and remind them that there is always hope.



Thanks, Emma-Louise, for helping us get to know you a bit better!