I can't believe how long it's been since I last updated my blog! I know I don't need to justify myself for the lack of posts there have been, however, I wanted to update you all on what I've been up to since September.
So, I've started (and am 13 weeks into) my PGCE and what a mad 13 weeks it has been! I am loving every minute of being in school, working towards my goals and learning more about education. I am absolutely shattered, which is probably half the reason I haven't posted much, but I would not change it for the world. Through lesson planning, writing assignments, being observed, attending training and creating resources, on top of 9-3 teaching, I have not had a moment to stop and appreciate exactly how much I have learnt and how far I have come in such a little time.
Yesterday I received my first formal teaching grade and am so proud to say I passed across the board. It was the first time since beginning my teaching journey I have really stopped to think about how far I have come since September and how proud I am of making the decision to teach.
In other news, I have finally graduated the University of Gloucestershire with a 2:1 in Journalism. Although I have decided not to follow the journalism route with my career, the skills I learnt and knowledge I acquired across the 3 years will follow me through my teaching journey.
Graduation was super fun and it was so nice to see all my friends and the lecturers again. It was held was at Cheltenham Racecourse, which was absolutely beautiful (even if I nearly froze to death!) and being surrounded by my friends and family was the perfect way to end the 3 great years I spent at the university.
Pastels are everywhere at the moment and I just can't get enough of them. From baby blue dresses to pink accessories, soft homeware furnishings to lemon t-shirts, pastels are definitely the prettiest way to colour yourself up while being bang on trend. Here's some of my favourites.
Social media is constantly changing and adapting to new technology, emerging audiences and developing trends. To keep up with these changes, the news room also has to adapt. Print audiences are declining and digitalised content is a concept that more people are looking for when it comes to how they source news. Social media is changing the face of journalism and this post will look at the positive changes that have materialised through the introduction of social media platforms.
For news organisations, social media has ensured information gets to the audience when they want it. Statistics have shown that an online audience is less patient and through advances such as trends on social media and the availability for cameras and filming in any place at any time, information can be published when it arises, allowing an online audience to receive the information at the moment it occurs through push notifications and social media app alerts. When a recent Buckingham Palace announcement was made, it spiralled instant debate and questioning among online audiences and as soon as the news broke from the Palace of Prince Philip's retirement, online news organisations published the correct information, putting all speculation to rest.
Social media also creates an environment for discussion and interaction between audiences, journalists and organisations. Through features such as Twitter polls, instant messaging and intertwining apps, the audience believe they get 'their say'. Results for polls, messages and comments are often read out on television, for example BBC Sport reading out comments relating to the recent Premier League title win. In addition, people are now not only discussing current affairs and news with each other, but speaking directly to journalism professionals, presenters and social media influencers on social media platforms. Although this could be seen as a negative, encouraging people to be involved with news is something that can only benefit them, their knowledge and allow them to create their own opinions.
Journalism is moving with the advances of media platforms and people are using the internet to benefit their organisation or publication. The growth in digital magazines and online media companies means that traditional newspaper publications, such as The Times and The Telegraph, are reacting to the statistics on online growth and publishing content not only online, but directly onto social media platforms. Alexis Madrigal, Deputy Editor of thealtantic.com identified the need for digitalised content, "if something doesn't succeed on Facebook, it does not succeed at all." This highlights the need for social media in a journalism based organisation and with 1.94 billion active Facebook users, more organisations are using this statistic to their benefit. In addition, content is now reaching a wider audience. Through social media shares and trends, stories and breaking news that would have previously reached just the readership of a publication can now reach millions of social media users that may not have considered reading or reacting to a story before.
Last weekend was full on; cinema trips, shopping, eating out, celebrations, road-tripping and cake making! On Sunday, we decided to head to Oxford. We visited the University city in 2015 and you can see my post here but this time, we had a different agenda.
First we headed to the Ashmolean Museum, where we discovered arts of the Renaissance, incredible Greek sculptures and a marble staircase of dreams. I love exploring museums and learning more about different countries and cultures, especially when those countries are places that I dream of visiting. I think it's good to immerse yourself in the culture of countries you're interested in, it can really make you appreciate another place.
After exploring the Ashmolean, we headed to Jamie's Italian for a pasta fuelled lunch, complete with a gorgeous praline bomb and a few cocktails. Shopping in Oxford is really good but I only came away with a couple of items; I think online shopping is so much easier, stress free and actually allows you to look at the items you're buying.
We spent our last hour visiting the University colleges, parks and buildings. They're absolutely breath-taking; you really don't feel like you're in a city with the culture and architecture that surrounds you. Oxford is one of my favourite cities and heading there just for the day made my bank holiday weekend so much more exciting.
If you love Oxford, are thinking of travelling there this year or have some great recommendations for the city, feel free to leave me a comment or tweet me @amie_journalist
For now, here's just some of the pictures I took on my trip:
I wish I knew what I knew now when I was younger. Although I'm only 20 and still have a lot to learn, there's plenty of things I wish I would have known while I was at school. When you're a teenager, it seems as though you're the only person who has ever had to go through anything and when things happen for the first time, it seems as though there's no-one to turn to or any advice that is ever good enough.
The first thing I would tell my younger self would be that it's ok not to be ok. It's a quote that I live by and I really believe in. It's ok to cry, it's okay to feel lonely and it's ok to want to be alone. Everyone has down days and sometimes, things just don't work out the way you want them to but it's ok, because everything will always get better - whether you believe it or not.
In addition, everything will work out in the end. Another motto I live by is 'everything happens for a reason' and if you're stuck thinking nothing's going right, if your plans change or if an outcome isn't what you were expecting, there's no need to worry. Everything always works out in the end and you'll see that maybe, things that don't go to plan might actually turn out for the best.
Another piece of advice I'd have told my younger self is to be organised. Since being at uni, I've been super organised with everything; work, assignments, commuting, work experience. But at school I was the opposite, probably focusing more on a social life than work and I wish I'd have put much more effort and organisation into school, especially at Sixth Form. Although things didn't turn out how I wanted at the time, since leaving school everything seems to have worked out for the best which is brilliant, but having a plan could have prevented some of the journeys I had to take in order to be where I am now.
To finish - don't settle for anything less than you deserve. It may seem that the job, boyfriend, opportunities etc you are given at the time may seem like the best thing that's ever happened to you and that might be the case. But if you have a gut feeling about something, it's usually right. Get rid of anything that's damaging you as a person and if that will make you unhappy at the time, think about your future and whether changing habits now will enhance your future for the better.
Do you sometimes question why you have ambitions and goals? I know I do. The idea that wanting to be proud of having a good job and stable income is something that is seen as a taboo subject - it's not moral, it's materialistic.
We are often told that money doesn't buy happiness, something that I completely agree with. Health, family, education and memories are the most important things to me and I wouldn't swap any of those for all of the money in the world.
But why can't I aim to have more? I'm aiming high and working seriously hard in order to get the grades I need to follow the career that I've always dreamed of. I see nothing wrong with that. I have a clear idea of where I want to be in 2, 5 and 10 years and for me, that's how I motivate myself. I would like to buy a house, travel to countries I've never been to, become a primary school teacher and be able to treat myself every so often.
There's just one problem - I don't like to talk about it because people think I'm being materialistic.
If you know me, you'll know that I'm the first person in my family to go to university and I've worked since I was 16, saving every bit of disposable income I have to be able to support myself through university and hopefully, in the future. The stigma of materialism needs to change. I don't buy designer pieces, get money from my parents or waste money on extravagant purchases and I enjoy saving for my future, something I am very lucky to be able to do.
"Working hard is the key."
Having goals is what motivates me to work hard, have a good career plan and save money. Money is the motivator - there, I said it. Older generations seem to believe that we are handed things on a plate; jobs, university places, houses, money, but it's really not the case.
Ambitions and realistic goals are positive and allow you to be able to pace yourself, in order to reach where you want to be with organisation and dedication. Working hard is the key and if that means sleepness nights, 4am alarms and closing myself away from the world for a little while, that's what it's going to be. If I didn't have plans for the future, I may treat money a little differently but at the moment, the future is my priority.
"It is what it is."
Delve into your ambitions, believe in yourself and as Anthony Joshua said in his recent victory speech: "I'm a little bit emotional, because I know I've got doubters that think that I can't do this and do that, but I dig deep. It is what it is."
Statement sleeves are back. This was my favourite trend last year and 2017 has just made the statement bigger and better! From puff sleeves, bardot design sleeves, ruffle detail, layered fabric, wide sleeves - you name it, it's in. The variety of sleeves on trend make any basic top a statement and it's definitely a trend I'll be following this year.
Gingham
Gingham is the latest trend for S/S 2017 and whether you like a statement print or subtle checks, there's a gingham print for everyone. Subtle print, coloured gingham, gingham accessories or gingham detail allow even the most hesitant of people a chance to rock one of this year's top trends. Another 90's statement that's rolling back around...
Ruffles
Yes I know, we've already discussed sleeves but ruffles are a trend that are all over everything! Ruffled sleeves are a favourite trend, killing two birds with one stone, but ruffled tops, skirts, dresses and ruffled detailing on tailored pieces are all over the high-street and high-end rails. A lot of material is better for the spring and those cooler summer days but simple ruffled tees would look perfect with a denim skirt and classic flapbag for that ideal summer look.
Embellishment
One of my favourite trends this summer is embellishment. Just that little bit of extra detail adds a touch of glam to any outfit. Embellishment on trainers, denim, tops and accessories are just some of the way to pick up this trend and it's definitely one for a holiday or festival! My favourite way to add embellishment on holiday is through accessories; this River Island bag is giving me life at the moment! And for a festival - embellished mesh tops are perfect.
Slogans
The easiest trend of the year. If you're like me and love throwing on a basic tee or sweater for uni, day's off or just running to the supermarket, this is the trend for you. Funny slogans, song lyrics, cute emojis or calligraphy styled text are just some of the slogan detailing you can grab on the high street. My personal faves are the emoji tees at Forever 21, just like the one below.
As technological advances have adapted over the last few years and more ways of learning are constantly being developed, I've been reflecting on the progression of education and what the future of education may look like. As a soon-to-be teacher in training, the discussion about the future of teaching and education is something that interests me and is important to my future studies, due to it affecting how my teaching will adapt and change with any development.
Thank you. Children are 27% of the world's people but 100% of the future. We need them to make sense of the world. https://t.co/5cvGziYZgX
Technology advances are consistently changing and adapting to the needs of the user, something which is reflected in classrooms worldwide. Studies from Open Colleges AU showed that 81% of U.S teachers think tablets can enrich classroom learning and I believe the future of classrooms will see the introduction of iPads, tablets or computerised devices as a basic classroom stimulus in all schools.
Using technology in the classroom. Image from Flickr.
Virtual reality, apps and interactive screens are platforms that will aim to create learning experiences for children both in their home and school environments, something that is unavoidable and will enhance the learning experience for students. Another technological advance is the idea of accessing classrooms on home computers, a change that will help all schools and pupil's, especially with homework, assignments and if a pupil were to miss a day at school. I hope to see technology making its way into schools, in a way that is fully beneficial for pupil's and look forward to analysing the benefits of technology within the classroom.
EXPERIENCE
There has been much speculation recently surrounding the opinion of un-paid internships and whether working for free should be considered as appropriate. I personally believe that the idea of work experience and internships is great and allows students to practice their skills while learning more about the industry and meeting professionals.
"Get them involved with new experiences, ideas and surroundings"
Although internships and work experience are opportunities for students once they get to secondary school and higher education, I believe that experience should be taught from a young age. 'Take your children to work day" is a fun technique that some schools use to get their students interested in the work place and for younger students, spending time outside, on school trips and at forest schools allows their thoughts to flow and get them involved with new experiences, ideas and surroundings. Experience is something that I believe schools will encourage and will help their students to develop key skills.
PERSONALISED LEARNING
As teaching styles change and adapt to emerging technology and new curriculum, the way in which students learn will also begin to change. Personalised learning and individual learning plans are concepts that have always been considered within the classroom; above average students challenged with harder tasks and students who experience difficultly within a subject receiving one-on-one learning. Although this approach is something that has always been used, modern technology such as interactive games and virtual reality classrooms will result in positive, personalised experiences for students and ensure more understanding to the teacher of their students needs.
Primary school classroom display. Image from Flickr.
MENTORING
Peer mentoring and schemes such as Thrive have developed in schools over the last few years, acknowledging that individual support can be given to students and ensuring they are able to access their learning, as well as helping with emotional gaps in their development.
"Mentoring is an effective method for encouraging positivity, role-modelling and confidence"
I believe that in the future, all schools will introduce the approach of mentoring as an option for those students that need it. Encouraging positivity, role-modelling and confidence from a young age is something that is important to many schools and reflects in students' work, enthusiasm and throughout their relationships with other children and adults. Mentoring is just one method that can be used, but I believe, it is one of the most effective.
I'm nearly at the end of my undergraduate degree, to be precise, I only have 46 days left! It's flying by.
Over the past couple of months, I have really started to get on top of my work load, more than I ever did in first or second year. I don't know if it's because the work is ten times more stressful or I am really aiming for a good grade but I'm definitely more organised and more determined than ever to finish university with pride and a great sense of accomplishment.
I have had such a good three years at the University of Gloucestershire and although I won't be taking up journalism as a full-time career, I hope to still be writing my blog and occasional pieces once I'm fully immersed into teaching. The course has been brilliant and has helped me develop a whole array of skills that I may not have from any other; interviewing, confidence in presenting, social media presence as well as improving my writing.
Although I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and the university, there are a few things that if I could go back, I would probably change. For anyone thinking of going to university or just finishing your first year, you might find these tips beneficial or just enjoy reading about my experiences.
The first thing I would probably suggest I'd have done differently is that I would have participated in more work experience. In my first year, I did one week's work experience at a local newspaper, which was brilliant as it gave me more confidence but looking back, I should have definitely done more. This year as part of a module, I have completed 16 days work experience at three different companies where I have learned so much from industry professionals; picking up tips and techniques, learning new things, meeting new people and just giving it a go. If I'd have been consistent in maybe taking just three or so weeks a year and dedicating them to work experience, I'd have learned more or gained better placements. You learn so much from working in the industry and experience is vital in any role, especially when you begin to look for a career or a post-graduate job.
"You can do it."
If I could go back to that first week at university, the one thing I would tell myself is 'you can do it'. Gosh, I wish I knew. In first year and second year, there were times where I sat and thought "I'm never going to get a 2:1," "this is so difficult" and "am I ever going to make it to the end?" but I shouldn't have worried so much. You can do it and you will do it and looking back, maybe I was just being tough on myself.
Getting your name out there is so important and I wish I knew that three years ago. I know it may be more relevant to my degree but creating a 'professional' Twitter or Facebook page can get you a long way and is sometimes the best way to meet new people. I've picked up job opportunities, interviews and freelance work as well as met some amazing people, just via social media platforms. Obviously work experience is another key way to get your name out there but whether it's to initially find that work experience, gain you freelance opportunities or if industry professionals could refer you on to another employer, it's all worth it.
"You're the only person who can create your future."
I've always been pretty good with assignments, probably because I love being super organised and having a plan for everything. But you can never start an assignment too early. In my final year, I've been juggling work placements, a dissertation, creating a professional portfolio and varies other assignments and it's seriously stressing me out. I try to start a plan for an assignment as soon as the module guide is posted; A word document outlining the essay, a reminder to book out filming equipment, ringing people for interviews or just writing a countdown to the due date. It all helps. Assignments are so important and no one ever looks back and regrets working hard for their achievements. At the end of the day, you're the only person who can create your future.
After all of that and I'm sorry if I've stressed anyone out (it's not all that bad!)... just chill. Why shouldn't you still enjoy yourself, have fun and do what you want? I quit my job at the start of my third year and it's probably the best decision I made. Yes, I concentrate on university work five days a week but I can also enjoy myself at the weekends, say yes to evenings out and slob out in front of the TV on a Sunday. University is hard work but trust me when I say, if you put in the effort it shows. But enjoy yourself, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, just make sure it's all worth it.
As you know, I recently wrote a post on why I use social media and it got me thinking. Social media is something that we simply cannot escape from, from updating Snapchat stories to re-tweeting celebrities, Instagram stalking to enhancing our profiles on LinkedIn, it's become an everyday activity. A recent survey byUM's Wave indicated that 85% of social media users actively spend time managing their profiles online and compared to 2010,people are 40% less likely to see social networks as a place for fun and entertainment and are 30% more likely to see them as platforms on which to promote themselves. I may not be the most social media savvy, but being a millennial and growing up with the use of social media platforms and emerging technology definitely has its positives. Here are my three top tips on how to utilise social media:
Use your own voice
When writing online, don't pretend to be someone you're not. Whether it's writing simple status updates to long blog posts or instant messaging, make sure it's written in a way that promotes your best self. Use similar language to what you'd use in everyday life while talking to family or friends and be genuine in how you come across. You don't want to find yourself meeting someone for the first time and realise that your online persona is completely different to what you're actually like.
Keep on top of it
When running online accounts to use professionally, make sure you keep on top of it. For example, try to tweet at least 4 times a day to show that you're involving yourself in discussion and current affairs. Re-tweeting people in the same industry or users who you look up to will help your activity as well as engaging in conversation, through instant messaging or commenting on someone's tweet, image or announcement. You'll be amazed how many people notice engagement on your feed, just by a simple re-tweet or comment.
Remember all social media platforms
When starting up social media accounts, most people will focus on Twitter, Instagram and a Facebook page. They're easy to use, have a large following and you can find relatable posts with just a one-word search. However, I've found that even using LinkedIn as another source has provided me with professional engagement and helped me gain contacts in the industry. Potential employers can access your account and posting solely professional content can increase your employability. Using social media platforms that are relevant to your business or brand is so important - for example, using Pinterest if you're an interior enthusiast, SoundCloud if you're a musician or The Dots if you want to exhibit projects you've been a part of.
"While sending out the occasional routine tweet is ok, try to aim for quality over quantity. Interact with users or perhaps post on particular trends, even if they're outside of your usual business subjects... don't be afraid to be spontaneous."
"Don't forget to interact with people"
"Prioritising saves time and energy and allows you or your team to get on with answering questions. Don't forget to interact with people on your pages as well though, customers appreciate a personal interaction and it increases loyalty."
"Scour the web for mentions of your organisations name (which also works with your name as a professional or blogger) and whichever social media channels you find yourself mentioned on, create a page! By creating your page and making yourself known though great organic content and advertising, the customers will find you and they will appreciate you creating a space for them."
Using hashtags is another great way to interact. Here's a tweet using professional interaction that got me a lot of response! Are these social media tips helpful for you?
I'm currently writing a blog post all about social media📱 What are your top social media tips?✨#journorequest@UKBloggers1
This month, I've started feeling better about my final year workload. My dissertation is finally coming together, essay planning is underway and I'm looking forward to enjoying the last few months of uni. I've felt so stressed since Christmas, thinking that I'd never be able to complete my dissertation or have control of my work but I can see it starting to take shape.
2. Meeting new people
I love meeting new people and exploring new opportunities and this month has been full of them! I'm in contact with so many more bloggers, industry professionals and have enjoyed meeting new people and getting to know them.
3. It's finally Spring!
My favourite season is in full swing; longer days, brighter evenings, warmer weather and cooler drinks. The dull winter is long gone and it's looking more like Spring. People just seem so much happier when the sun's out and having the sun shining definitely helps when I'm trying to complete assignments.
4. I paid off my holiday
It's such a relief when you pay off a holiday and I've finally got round to doing it. This year's holiday is a pretty expensive one so I couldn't wait to pay it off, now I just want to go! I can use the extra money to buy plenty of holiday clothes now.
5. September can't come soon enough
I know it's only March and we've still got the summer to enjoy but I just can't wait to start teaching in September. This month, my timetable was sent out, along with a portfolio of how the year will run and how I'll be assessed and it's really made it all seem so much more exciting. Bring it on.
6. Catching up with friends
I really don't see my friends enough. When it comes to organised meals, nights out and shopping trips, it always seems as though dates don't work out or things get re-scheduled. This month, I caught up with some of my lovely friends and I can't wait to be able to see them a lot more after uni.
7. Graduation
Last week, I finally received my graduation date. Although it's not for another 8 months, I'm already looking forward to the day. Having graduation in mind has given me so much motivation to complete my work to the best of my ability and have a goal set in my mind.
8. Spoiling my Mum
I love buying gifts for my Mum and she definitely deserves a lot more than I can afford but I enjoyed spoiling her this Mother's Day. I also fought hard to find the perfect present for my Nan's birthday but finally settled on some summer essentials from her favourite shop.
9. My sister came home
My sister lives away at university and although I speak to her every day, I don't see her as much as I'd like. She came home for Mother's Day weekend to celebrate our Nan's birthday and see the family, which was lovely.
10. Work experience
I completed a weeks work experience at Gloucestershire Live and the Gloucestershire Echo at the start of March, which I really enjoyed. I spent the week talking to new people, interviewing shop owners, writing pieces for online and newspapers and having lot of laughs in the office. It was such a good week, made even better by having 5 published pieces in the paper.
Mother's Day is just around the corner! With so many shops offering great Mother's Day deals and new products, there's no reason to leave your gift buying to the last minute. From cards to handbags, perfume to mugs, there's no excuse for showing your Mum how much she means to you with a small gift.
Here's my Mother's Day gift guide suitable for any budget:
The Bag
If you're looking to spend more on your Mum this year, this Radley Multiway Bag from House of Fraser is the perfect buy. A beautiful blue handbag will see your Mum perfectly dressed for Spring and with an additional 20% off at the moment, what's not to love?
A personalised gift will always add that extra special touch. This keyring from The Laser Boutique is perfect for Mum's with younger children, with names embossed onto delicate hearts. It also comes in a presentation box, essential for those who hate the hassle!
When buying presents, I always end up buying for myself or buying a gift because I love it. This umbrella from ASOS is so pretty and definitely one I would be borrowing off my Mum! The classic duck head handle and beautiful shade of pink stand out and add a colour pop to any outfit.
It wouldn't be a gift guide without a stereotypical gift and this time, this mug has won me over. It's very minimal and delicate and in typical Not On The High Street style, has it's message written in a pretty, ditsy font. Perfect if your Mum loves her tea or coffee.
This gorgeous fragrance is the perfect Mother's Day buy. A gentle, sweet scent enclosed in a bold, powerful bottle with a message that would put a smile on your Mum's face. Net-A-Porter have a large range of fragrances by the renowned perfumer Azzi Glasser but this is the perfect pick.
What would Mother's Day be without a candle? Yes it's an obvious choice but this beauty from The White Company couldn't be ignored. It's fresh, light and sweet aroma oozes Spring scents and is the perfect candle to pick up as the weather gets warmer.
Prosecco and strawberries are the perfect Mother's Day treat and these offer something a bit different, they're made of chocolate! What could be better? Choc On Choc are my favourite chocolate company and their take on everyday items and foods make for a brilliant, unique gift.
Enid Blyton's books will always be the best reminder from your childhood and this Mother's Day book is a funny alternative for any Mum. Waterstones currently have it on offer so grab it quick if your Mum loves a fun read.
It's always difficult choosing a gift and if you're still unsure on the perfect buy, let your Mum choose herself. Tesco currently have 20% off selected gift cards including ASK Italian, Pizza Express, Gap and Monsoon. Treat your Mum to a meal out or their choice of summer pieces.
