3 years of hard work, late nights, breakdowns, midnight snacking, midday drinking and deadlines. Remind you of anything? Yep, I've finally completed uni!
University has been the biggest challenge of my life so far, but the most fun and exciting three years I could have ever imagined. Studying journalism was the first challenge that I was faced with and like every university student, I questioned whether it was the right thing for me. Which, of course it was. I've learnt so much about the industry and found my love for writing, tried new things like working in PR and created my blog, which I now use as my escape and enjoy writing so much.
"I should be proud of what I achieve."
University taught me to give everything a go. On a course that is so practical, there is no other option other than to just get out there and do it. Interviewing people in the street, phoning people regarding a story, presenting on the TV and being an editor of a newsroom are just some of the tasks I've been faced with, but that's where I've learnt most. My confidence has improved so much and I now struggle less with meeting new people, am more confident in interviews and making initial conversation.
It also taught me that it's ok to be average. I used to hate the idea of failing, especially when it comes to exams and assignments but being at university made me realise that as long as I put 110% into everything, I should be proud of what I achieve. Journalism is a difficult course to achieve 1st's on every assignment and that's okay. Some of the work has been extremely difficult and left me having breakdown after breakdown but at the end of the day, I know that I've worked my butt off on every single assignment, which is something I should be proud of.
Saving money is easier than you think. These last three years, I've managed to save so much money which I am very proud of. Yes, I live at home. No, I don't care. I have been just as independent at home as I would have been living at university; I manage my time, cook my own food, wash all my clothes and save a ton of money while I'm at it. I managed to save enough money to buy a new car while I was studying, as well as saved enough to help me put a deposit on a house sooner than I would have before. Oh, and I've been on some amazing holidays, to festivals, had lots of nights out and bought a lot more takeout food than I'd be happy to admit to.
"I wouldn't have had it any other way."
"I wouldn't have had it any other way."
University has made me realise what I really want. Journalism has been an amazing course and I'm so glad I chose to study it, especially at the University of Gloucestershire. However, by living at home, I managed to get two months work experience at a local first school, where I realised that teaching is what I want to do. Through the help of my lecturers, family and friends, I decided to apply for a number of postgraduate PGCE courses, and from this September, I will be taking the next step in a career that I know I'll be so happy with.
Uni has been amazing. I've made friends for life, thrown myself in to the course, enjoyed weeks of journalism work experience and finally realised what it is I want to do. Yes, I decided to live at home during my three years and no, I'm not necessarily focusing my career on the subject I have studied but for me, I wouldn't have had it any other way.