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.
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.
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.
For me, the new year doesn't mean resolutions and becoming a 'better person', it's all about reflecting on good times and trying your best to make this year just as good as the last.
2016 was a brilliant year, full of personal achievements, holidays and realisations. I finally figured out what it is I want to do and how I want to do it, along with my plans for the end of 2017. Now that we're fully immersed into the new year, I thought I'd let you know what my plans are for this year, and why, for me, 2017 is going to be big.
So far, plans include:
Final Semester - I want to finish my final year at UoG proud of what I have achieved and knowing that I have put 100% into every piece of work.
21st Birthday - Although I'll still be focusing on grades and my final assignment, my 21st in May kick starts the summer nicely and I'm sure to be celebrating in style.
Mexico - A country I've always wanted and now I finally get to; I'm so glad we booked this last year. I can't wait to spend 2 weeks soaking up the sun and sipping on cocktails!
Graduation - I can't wait for graduation. After 3 years of hard work and deadlines, graduating will definitely be my biggest achievement to date.
Postgraduate course - I decided last year to apply for a postgraduate PGCE, and have since placed my firm choice with a lovely school in Pershore. The beginning of a new journey.
I adore looking through travel magazines and thought that it would be fun to give it a go and create my own, as part of one of my second year modules. This was the final result!
