Christmas is coming!

At the TreeHouse.

Love the thought of cosy reflections on the success of the past year,

staring at twinkling fairy lights and smiling at the future.

two sides to every coin

One of the things I have loved in my years of coming to UoB, were some of the exercises in year 1 and year 2, that helped me to analyse that I read in the media.

Now I've always liked to keep an open mind, and I'm generally suspicious of anything someone tells me is black-and-white. When people get so angry and heated about something they are bound to become blind to another side of the story or, in the case of politicians, are deliberately trying to draw attention away from evidence or incidents.

Welfare Systems (year 2), we had several articles to analyse choice words in the media, how the foreigner is labeled 'the asylum seeker' or' 'benefit scrounger', regardless of their real reason for coming to the UK. The single mum who doesn't work is one of thousands of people living off our hard earned taxes, it doesn't matter if a large percentage of that are acting as carers or genuinely struggling to find a job to balance their child's needs and their local opportunities. And not even that, but how sometimes there never is a right and a wrong, and there isn't always someone to blame.

University I feel has shown me the flip side of the coin in many people’s circumstances, it may not mean that there aren’t elements of truth in some articles published out there, but at least I'm not one of those people adding to the judgment and hatred without at least looking a little deeper into facts and what our perception has distorted.

One particular article I read recently I feel gives credit to the other side of the story is alongside Malala Yousafzai is being formally recognised with a joint-Nobel Peace Prize for her determination and fighting for her rights to getting an education, while those who are not the epitemy of western democracy, are being ignored and lost in the wars that are being waged. Now I may not agree with every word written on this reporting front, but to read articles from difference sources can help to give a perceptive I might not have considered or heard because it is being ignored just like this little girl is.

Welcome Back - to the beginning of the end!

Hello! I'm back! Can't believe it's been 3 months since I blogged last, and I do confess, from beginning of August to October I had nothing of uni on my mind, I was busy getting married! What were you up to over the summer break? I would love to hear it in comments below.

Induction days finally rolled around last days of September/first days of October, and I must say that after 4 months off from university, and even longer from assignment deadlines, it was a welcome sight, marking the beginning of the end, our 3rd and final year, the chance to prove ourselves, and finally take the dissertation "bull by the horns" - or what my peers have been calling "the big D".

I blogged a few weeks ago on my good intentions of the year via UoB's Librarian's Blog, and my practical steps to getting back into the groove, however actions and plans (even when carried through) become difficult when our creativity and writer's block set it. Still, I found new energy in our induction day.

I won't lie and deny that it didn't have its moments of tediousness or wonder if it was a bit inconvenient taking time out of my busy life, but not only did I appreciate having my questions answered from the get go, I also enjoyed and found new inspiration in my peers and the friendly, faith filled faces of lecturers.

As we talked about our summers and each one added their own reason to be excited about the new year, or even talked about their terrors with determined smiles, I felt like I had found that extra strength and spark I was needing to keep going. It makes me wonder if lectures are ever a waste of time, regardless of whether I know the topic or its relevance to me, as I went home to sit down at my desk with renewed determination and looking forward to the challenge.

The Last One

My my hasn't this year gone quick. Only yesterday it seems I happened to see the internships advertised by the UoB and thought I'd look into it. Ten months later and it's all coming to an end. Just another adventure of mine that I've encountered and tackled, and one of many I hope.

So, earlier this year I counted down the highlights of 2013 which included my academic year 1, so I suspect it suitable to count those of year 2. Here goes...

10: Year 2 completion! 4 units, 11 assignments: 3 essays, 5 reports, 1 proposal, 1 mock conference and a wiki article.

9: Completed a periodical blog through the UoB Blogging Internships (thanks for the opportunity guys - you've been great!) with this making my 40th post!

8: Made my first application for funding for a community project (my CAS Conference 2014) which was approved by out very own UoB StEPS programme.

7: Co-wrote my first wiki article on The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

6: Attended an two-day introductory course in Life Coaching which I hope will compliment my professional service.

5: Recieved an appreciation award for Course Representative for my signposting and advocacy. 

4: Documented my 1 year Personal Development Plan (PDP) which I have already crossed over a third off from.

3: Organised a degree wide networking and presentation event for the Child and Adoloescent Society.

2: Was put under more responsibility at work and offered a promotion which I hope to take up this coming year.

1: Applied for and was accepted into the Peer Assisted Leaders (PAL) team - my next adventure - maybe I will meet you there!

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So I guess this is where I sign off! Thank you all for listening and if you want to get in touch for any reason please leave a comment or two. :)

And good luck in whatever you choose to do in the university of life. Don't give up in your vision! Make it work for you and enjoy the learning experience!

Applying, Step 4: Finance and Money!

If you haven't already, I've just received my reminder to reapply for student finance. The website is www.studentfinance.gov.uk

Survival is a very important part of studying, and if not working full-time hours around your studies, Student Finance is the first place you should go, there are loans available at very reasonable interest rates (make sure you check them carefully for any surprises as you are charged from your very first payment), and grants available for those with children, adult dependants, and even just you yourself if you are over a certain age and living independently. You are not obliged to take any of these, and can pick and choose, for instance in my first year I took out a loan but now I am trying to get my income from other sources that I don't have to repay (grants, tax credits, casual work etc.).

Tuition Fees however, unless you are lucky enough to have a sponsor, you must apply for (and as soon as possible) to pay for your course. You must be careful to dot the i's and cross your t's here as you cannot attend your degree units without your fees, and you cannot get your fees without attending study (these are all paid directly to your university). There is a Student Finance desk near SiD (student information desk) that will help you if stuck but do get over there soon as possible if you're having any issues - the last thing you want is someone telling you to come back next year!

And don't forget your supporting evidence, the Student Finance website is marvellously laid out so after making an account and applying, your instructions and reminders will show up on your account page. Hop to!

food for thought

Summer Break Thoughts

I'm about to get down and dirty with year three...reading lists, literature review of my dissertation, and getting in touch with lecturers over the learning outcomes from the units I have to choose from.

I understand that there are optional units in this my final year, and I already know which ones I am interested in, but after a brief conversation with a fellow students, I thought about how I want my CV to look in a years' time...what field I am looking at? I confess I am terrified of doing a sociology only unit, because I have found the assignments mind-boggling, but if I wanted to embark on a global scale, say the United Nations, then they would probably be looking for something like that. I think it would be helpful to know what I will get out of it (learning outcomes) as opposed to just what I'm vaguely interested in.

Those finishing their third years this year, thank you - as I am well and truly terrified!  So much work, so little time. So much to be done, so much panic! However in speaking to a few lecturers they have encouraged me that for the well organised, and those who think ahead, in can in fact be easier than second year! I have yet to prove that but it has inspired me to work harder now rather than the new academic year hits.

And if all else fails...at least I will live longer due to having a purpose to strive for in my life. See new study's find at this link...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-27393057

job SOURCING

Thought I would refresh my memory on job sourcing this summer, whether exclusively for the holidays, a sandwich job, or your first step on the career ladder (ie. you're doing a Criminology degree and decide to do admin for the Police Department).

As far as I know both Child and Adolescent Studies, and Criminology have lectures/seminars themed around job hunting, interview skills etc, in their 2nd year. An assignment where your CV, cover letter, Personal Development Plan (look below at my sample of a PDP) and job research is graded. I'm not rubbish at CVs, but it was a good way to know I was on the right track, giving me confidence in my interview skills, and analysis of a job is something I'd never done professionally before.

The UoB has a great page for CV and cover letter writing (click right here) but not only that they offer a free drop in session at Career Services on the ground floor of I block. I found this terrifically useful in the assignment, with proof reading my CV and PDP, and one of the advisors even gave me a good hour and a half for some career guidance. They also do a similar certification called the EDGE. 

Having said all that, I'd like to put it out there that the formal "job hut" and CV saturation of your entire town/city, isn't always going to be YOUR route to the job you're after - in fact we may often find ourselves somewhere better than our dream job. For example, when I first signed up to university and was looking for work, I signed up as a Nursery Nurse with a local recruitment agency, staffing nurseries and creches when needed. This led to me staffing schools when Teaching Assistants were absent, which then ended up with my being employed in one (I went through the external interview process but from knowing the school I was much more confident). Now I am seeking what avenues I can pursue to benefit my experience and career, whether it's after-school-clubs, interventions, parent workshops - might end up doing a PGCE yet.

I will be honest and say I don't know where I'm headed, but if you keep asking questions, keep throwing yourself out there, you are bound to end up somewhere very interesting and possibly the best thing that could happen to you. Now to keep my eyes peeled and myself at the ready this summer holidays ….

read a little, live a lot

As I mentally prepare my reading list for the months before October term begins, I consider what type of reading I want to partake of.

Academic texts, a no brainer of course I must read this dreaded stuff, and make notes and arguments, and reference correctly and get what studies have been found to back up my arguments,

BBC News and other independent but reliable sources, yes I would like to stay connected with present day affairs and political impacts. The Metro, seeing as I don't read the celebrity tabloids and political inclined papers such as the SUN (Conservative), Guardian (Labour) (please see BBC News analysis of paper politics), the Metro is concise with it's stories and covers a wide variety including strange stories that local councils have to deal with.

Blogs have a wonderful ability of giving a view through an individuals eyes, which is fascinating regardless of what is happening and why, it's about how it impacts the common man and what us civilians live with daily.

Novels okay these are NOT going to benefit your reference list or your research arguments, BUT, they will benefit you. As the linked article explains (Why Readers are the Best People to Fall in Love With), readers are a dying but vital breed of people who know what it's like to touch a thousands lives, emotions, concepts and realities. Yes, a lot of novels are nonsense, but it is imaginative nonsense! And I truly believe that taking time regularly to read something completely opposite to academic will awaken integrity and the creative side of me.

And don't forget to reflect, as taking notes from academic sources are important so as not to lose what you have concluded, so is keeping a notepad or journal to documenting the findings and development of your own mind. I know I intend to.

Renting in Luton

I know some friends who've been moving into private accommodation this last month. After being lucky enough to benefit from the halls of residence that the UoB offer, it's no small task to figure out the game of renting rooms, flats or houses. Having lived in Luton and rented over the last 4 years, I've had the good, the bad and the ugly, but yeah usually the ugly.

Firstly with going through a property agency or a private landlord, renting is NEVER going to be easy, and you will always get surprises and expenses thrown your way, but here are a few things to remember that will make it a little easier. 

Don't forget your deposit, which could be 1 month's rent or up to 1 and 1/2 month's rent. When renting your deposit is required by law to go into a rent deposit scheme which cannot be touched unless agreed upon by both parties. If going through a private landlord then they may not offer this, so it's up to you if you are comfortable with that setup, but the law is there to protect you should you encounter problems when leaving, differences of opinion on property damages, responsibilities, or general landlord's that sometimes don't communicate and take matters into their own hands. I have learned however that you will never get 100% back, so bear that in mind.

If going through a property agency, this usually incurs an extra charge. I'm still baffled as to why! Something about credit checks and administration, which can make up to £150 per person but some as low as £50 - just remember cheap isn't always a bargain, you'll often end up paying for it later. Some only ask for this initial charge once at the beginning of your tenancy, others charge it to renew or on an annual basis. 

When renting a room in a shared house, this will usually include all water, gas and electric bills, and sometimes an internet connection. Shared house renting has it's perks but also it's downsides and personally I hated it, but then if you're living with friends it could be fun (if you remain friends!). When renting studios, flats and houses, it's generally up to the occupying to pay for all utilities and even the installation charge of internet. Council Tax is free but you'll have to get the necessary paperwork from SiD down the the Town Hall to get it setup otherwise you'll get bills soon enough.

If I tell you anything, I will HIGHLY recommend getting a really, really good look at the whole property, in the cupboards, in the drainage, check all the plumbing works, and watch out for mould which can get out of control in the winter due to lack to ventilation and humidity. I once had a property that was pretty much built of marsh land so when the windows were closed it was like a rainforest inside! For health reasons you should always keep the air flowing but in the dead of winter this is a real issue as you don't want to pay for extra heat with open windows because that's what the landlord says will sort it! If you see something that you've decided should be sorted before moving in (like a new mattress, or a fixed window) have them do it BEFORE moving in. It's a great incentive for property owners as they know they will get a tenant once it's done, and is so frustrating to be waiting for something weeks into a tenancy, which so often happens.

Any questions, please leave a message below in the comments!

I'm about to get down and dirty with year three...reading lists, literature review of my dissertation, and getting in touch with lecturers over the learning outcomes from the units I have to choose from.

I understand that there are optional units in this my final year, and I already know which ones I am interested in, but after a brief conversation with a fellow students, I thought about how I want my CV to look in a years' time...what field I am looking at? I confess I am terrified of doing a sociology only unit, because I have found the assignments mind-boggling, but if I wanted to embark on a global scale, say the United Nations, then they would probably be looking for something like that. I think it would be helpful to know what I will get out of it (learning outcomes) as opposed to just what I'm vaguely interested in.

Those finishing their third years this year, thank you - as I am well and truly terrified!  So much work, so little time. So much to be done, so much panic! However in speaking to a few lecturers they have encouraged me that for the well organised, and those who think ahead, in can in fact be easier than second year! I have yet to prove that but it has inspired me to work harder now rather than the new academic year hits.

And if all else fails...at least I will live longer due to having a purpose to strive for in my life. See new study's find at this link...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-27393057

2015 here we come!

In thinking over the last academic year, I find my mind going WWW (what went well) and EBI (even better if). Looking at the opportunities I've had and the ones that I've missed and would like to utilise in this new year. I'm also looking over my contacts built and who I may want to stay in contact with or need to "impress" in my last year before graduation.

Right from the beginning of my degree my lecturer's poignant words rang in my ear "Your career starts from today". And you've probably noticed the urgency in all my blog posts. :) Life is so short and we only get one chance to experience it to the full.

Particularly in our CAS Conference Day a couple of weeks ago (see previous article) , I've noted the opportunities relevent to Health and Social Science students. The Access Partnership Associates, the Children's Centre Volunteer Programme and now it's sister Family Engagement Officer Volunteers. We have the Blog Internships. The Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) teams!

It's PAL that I am particularly interested in being a part of this year. It looks like a great way to develop skills in working with individuals and small groups, and give confidence in related work. I'll try to keep you posted on what happens there!

Student Experience Awards

My humblest apologies for being so late with this week's post, I wanted to wait until after Friday as June 13th was the UoB's annual awards event for the Student Experience. I was delighted to recieve an invite and also accompanied my best uni bud who had been nominated for the Community Contribution award.

So, all dolled up and refreshed after the end of the teaching year, we toasted champagne and cheered the awards for students and staff alike, those who had made a contrubution in some way: Inspirational Teaching, Role Model of Professionalism, team players and student achievments. It was terrific to recognise those who had played a part in the year and made a difference. Some who had been poorly but continued to shed light and guidance to their students, some who had given of themselves through volunteering alongside their studies, and those who through their friendly and genuine nature had made an impact. I left that evening (a leetle tipsy) but realising how human we all were but how we each had a part to play and whether recognised or no last Friday evening - I salute you as you go into the academic year 2014-2015. Keep up the good work!

CAS Conference 2014

This week saw the First Ever Child and Adolescent Studies Degree Conference - and I had the pleasure if being a part of it this last Wednesday.

Over two months in the making, and with the wonderful StEPs team joining us late last month to help make it a reality, we invited students and organisation representatives to talk about the power of volunteering, and how to apply what we have learned on our degree to our work field.

From crèche nannying to College lecturers, the university's Children Centre partnership with the local council, to The National Citizenship Service - I was amazed to see how diverse the experience and opportunities are to those coming from our degree. Students volunteered to speak for fifteen minutes about their experiences, hold poster presentations on their roles, and host promotional tables for the charities they were involved in. By the end of the day I was truly proud not just to be a part it, but to be a park of a community of professional learners to whom the sky is the limit.

Well done CAS students 2014, 2015 and 2016! X

Descriptive > Analytical > Critical analysis.

These were the three degrees of university learning that my lecturer told of me yesterday. I had asked to meet him due to getting a grade (not a very bad one I might add), but wanting to go further and keep progressing, I needed to find out where I was going wrong and could improve - I'm going to need to if I want a decent degree to talk about like a first or an upper second.

You're on a trajectory path, he said. Something I had never heard of before. In your first years you 'die' for an A, but you don't always get it, perhaps due to the challenge of the assignment or your personal ability. But one doesn't simply arrive on site at university and within days become a raging, A+ academic. And I realised that in order to be happy professionally, efficient and achieve my goals, I needed to stay on this 'trajectory path'. (1) Descriptive = our first year academically, describing what we read and see. (2) Analytical = dissecting, looking carefully at, reasoning within ourselves the theories and current policies. (3) Critical Analysis = making our contributing, taking all we have learnt and arguing what holds true and what does not.

A friend of mine started out her first year as a C student, which might have discouraged or hit me hard, but then in her second year she was a B, and her third she is now an A student (getting regular A-, A and A+). And when we talked about it, that was a success story. In today's climate where it's more than the paper that says you've got a degree, it's the 3D learning, it's the character you build and display from your learning years. Perhaps this is a good thing, employers (while they look at your qualifications) are looking even more at YOU. What has our degree made us, how do we present ourselves, how have we spent our time. I could be wrong but I believe this is the way of future employment and success stories.

Which brings me to what my lovely unit co-ordinator told us in an informal meeting one day: I don't care if you get A's, B's or C's, as long as you work to the best of your ability.

We are each on a different journey, with different abilities and talents (some aren't even academic), but to know you had been through university and not reached your full capabilities, THAT'S painful.

And it comforts me to know that even if I don't get the first or even the upper second class degree, if I challenged myself, and aspire to the next level at all time, then I will reach my full potential and be happy no matter what my grades are.

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On another topic, if you would like to see the StEP project I have been working on, here's is a sneak peak poster advertisement made for the event….