Why it's ok to dream big

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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."

‪It Was All A Dream #TBT ‬

A post shared by Anthony Joshua (@anthony_joshua) on May 4, 2017 at 9:03am PDT

What I'd do differently... looking back at university

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.

3 months today until I finish uni... I can't believe how quickly it's gone and how much I've achieved✨ #journalism @uniofglos pic.twitter.com/Vr1pynPNhI

— Amie Rhone (@amie_journalist) February 26, 2017

Who run the world? GIRLS.

I love reading other blogs and finding my favourites when it comes to travel, beauty, lifestyle and fashion. I typically follow UK bloggers as I prefer their style of writing and can relate myself to the places they visit, restaurants they eat at and the brands they wear! Reading other blogger's posts and watching their vlogs definitely motivates my style of writing and gives me ideas for posts myself, however, I do really just enjoy looking at their work and finding out how they got where they are now.

Here's my 5 favourite female bloggers:

1. Carrie at wishwishwish.net

Carrie's blog is full of wedding ideas at the moment; calligraphy, honeymooning, decor and dresses. But hunt through her posts and you'll find fun travel features, from Disneyland to European city breaks, with serious style throughout.

2. Victoria at inthefrow.com

You'll find everything from holiday styles, destinations and top tips to reflection posts about bullying and anxiety on Victoria's blog. She writes something for everyone and her latest trip to LA is already giving me serious holiday envy!

3. Lydia at lydiaelisemillen.com

Lydia's style is impeccable and her clothing haul vlogs are brilliant to watch. From fitness tips to holiday's, her engagement video to London shopping trips... she's definitely one to add on snapchat too for a great insight into what she does.

4. Suzie at hello-october.com

City breaks, high-street fashion and beautiful interiors own Suzie's blog and Instagram. Her eye for design is obviously something that she entwines through all of her work... even the clothes she wears! Her nude and black wardrobe is seriously amazing.

5. Claire at chouquette.co.uk

As well as her incredible Chanel bag collection, Claire's blog is full of beautiful clothing, shoes, makeup and lifestyle tips. Her wardrobe tour vlog is enough to make anyone jealous, but there's no doubt she's a down-to-earth girl who works hard for her style!

Wanderer Magazine

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!

Destination deliberation: My holiday list

With the best of the summer behind us and the dark nights looming, I can't help but think about holidays. What I would do to be back in the sunshine with a cool cocktail in my hand, taking in every moment of a new place.

I spent the other night researching into which places I would love to travel to. Not only typical beach holiday destinations, but places of interest and something's that are that little bit different.

It didn't take me long to come up with a well-constructed list of the destinations that would be a dream to visit; from the temples of Angkor Wat to the sand dunes of Dubai, every place would be a  completely different experience.

As much as I enjoy a two week beach break and looking around resorts, taking a trip to somewhere more cultural and becoming part of a country for a period of time is a lot more inspiring. 

Specific European cities that I have always wanted to go to hold a top spot on my list, the architecture and feel of a city is so different to anything else. 

Travelling further afield to Asia and Australia is something I have always dreamt of doing, spending time around different locations, throwing myself into every experience possible and being able to live every moment would be incredible.

America is a huge dream for me. In less than 11 weeks I will be taking my first trip there to see the sights of New York and I can't explain how excited I am. It will be the biggest holiday I have ever been on and one of the places I have always dreamt of visiting. There are a number of places in the USA that have made their way onto my list, all for different reasons, and I can't wait to cross my first one off!

Obviously my dream list doesn't come cheap, some of the holidays would cost thousands, but they're not places I would think about going twice to. Once in a lifetime opportunities that I know would take years of saving, but who wants to go through life not fulfilling their aspirations? I want to travel. As far as I can and experiencing as much as I can.

Holiday destination: Lesbos

I've just returned from my annual family holiday and this year, we tried somewhere a bit different. I'd heard of Lesvos and absolutely love exploring Greece and the Greek islands, but still didn't know exactly what to expect.

It was one of the most relaxing holidays I have ever been on. The intense heat left me wanting to just sit by the pool, sip cocktails and enjoy walks along the calm beach, which was directly in front of the hotel. As holiday destinations go, this is also one of the quietest I have ever been to. The tiny village of Skala Kalloni was just a two minute walk from our hotel and had around 15 tavernas, a couple of shops and a small boating harbour. Perfect to get away from it all.

At night was when you could see the popularity of the small holiday spot. The tavernas bustling, a brilliant atmosphere crept upon the village square. A lot of Greek destinations find themselves swamped in British, German and French tourists but I didn't find that here. Greek families filled the restaurants, beach and bars, creating a friendly, traditional set-up.

My favourite restaurants were definitely Caprice and Ambrosia, where we were spoilt with food, drink and a LOT of watermelon! Ambrosia's was more traditional; serving the best moussaka and kleftiko I have ever had. Caprice was a more modern restaurant, with pasta and fish dishes to die for - along with their passion fruit martini's!

A fantastic place for a totally relaxed, traditional holiday.