Graduation and moving on

This post was meant to be written on Sunday, and then on Monday but it was only today that I felt like I could get my head together and actually write something down.

It's official, I've graduated from university and might want to cry a little bit (both from happiness, and also because it's scary). I've entered the adult world and start work properly on 3rd August, although I've been breaking myself in gently with weeks here and there since I finished! Making the transition from student to working 9-5 five days a week will be tough but I think the routine will be exactly what I need.

Now that I've had my graduation, it all seems a bit more real. I got news a couple of weeks ago that I had actually gone and done it - I got a First Class BA Hons in English Literature! No one was more surprised (or relieved) than me. But it was only when I walked out to my family in my cap and gown on the day of my ceremony, and when I was personally congratulated on my First on stage, and when both my lecturers came to speak to me that it really settled in. My first year dream of having a first in English Literature had come true, and the pride I felt throughout the day for me and all my friends will be a feeling that will stay with me for a long time. It's proof that all our hard work and effort paid off, and was so so worth it.

With my lovely grandparents

But by far one of the best things about the day was that we were able to bring my grandparents down for the ceremony. I was so so excited to share my special day with them, and when they both teared up seeing me in my robes, I realised how much it meant to them too. My grandad turned 90 this year, and to be able to see the pride on his face and on my nana's was enough to know that I would do it all again in a heartbeat - all the stress, hard work and mountains of reading. We honestly just had such a wonderful day.

Our ball in the evening meant that our friendship group could celebrate together before parting our separate ways and beginning our careers. I think had it not been for mental exhaustion and the drinks we would have been far more serious and emotional. But actually, I'm glad it wasn't. We concentrated on having an incredible time in each other's company, knowing it was definitely not the end, but only a new beginning. It's true what they say about university - you make friends for life.

So with less than two weeks until I start work permanently, I'm taking some me time to focus on my achievements, some self-love and my future. Despite university having been the best years of my life (excuse the cheese), I do feel ready to move on now. I'm ready for this new chapter in my life and what it will hold for me.

With my brother, and he's even smiling!

Have you graduated recently, or started a new job? Are you feeling postive? Let me know below! 

It's my birthday!

Twenty-twoooo

Okay so technically it isn't my birthday today, but it will be on Tuesday and since I'm leaving to go to Paris (eeeekk!!!) tomorrow, I thought I'd pre-empt the birthday post this year.

At the risk of sounding like a parrot, how quickly does time pass the older you get? It seems like just a few weeks ago that I was writing 'This is becoming a yearly tradition' in the post title box. Although I haven't been in an entirely different country this year, I think it's safe to say I've faced similarly difficult challenges and been on an equally emotional rollercoaster.

I've finished university! Boom, four years of my life gone. Poof. Over so quickly. The struggle of final year is real guys, both emotionally and work-wise. I've had to adjust to going back and studying again (intensely and under a huge amount of pressure), only to leave for the last time and get acquainted with the real adult world. That's been scary enough, but what's maybe more nerve-wracking is the thought of starting a new job. Nerve-wracking and so exciting at the same time because I do feel ready to move on now. Uni was great and was absolutely the best thing for me, but it's done it's job and now I can't wait to start creating a real life for myself, a real grown-up life.

This year has been both an end and a beginning, has brought massive highs as well as some lows but I'm going to see the next year of my life as a stepping stone in paving the way for my future. It's daunting, but I'm determined to make the most of every minute and begin making the life I want to live.

The positivity is currently overflowing (possibly something to do with the fact I'm going to Paris in less than 24 hours!!) but I'm aiming to make it stay! I'm feeling 22 ♪♪

Let's talk about stress...

I'm the first to admit that I'm a complete stress-head. I'm a nightmare for worrying and panicking. It's partly because I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so when things don't go quite according to plan my automatic reaction is to get anxious.

Joining the Bloglovin' community recently (omg, best decision everrrr - it's equalled Instagram in its addictiveness) I found quite a few posts about stress management and general advice about coping. Although most of the advice was pretty obvious, I actually found the posts extremely helpful. Maybe it's because I feel guilty if I tell myself I'm stressed, like I'm not allowed to be, but when other people suggest that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and take a step back from it all, I listened. And it felt good!

Here's one blogger whose post I could definitely relate to. The part about feeling guilty and university was particularly relevant! From Roses is a fantastic blog, and I'd thoroughly recommend taking a look around her site because her content is both beautiful and insightful. 

That I was helped by such posts made me want to write this one. As a self-proclaimed stress-head (see above), I hit a new low during my dissertation process. I always knew it would be one of the most intense periods of my university career, but I got so worked up about it that I actually began to make myself ill. Nothing serious, but enough that made me sit up and take notice and realise that it wasn't worth it, stress is simply not worth sacrificing happiness, health and well-being. So this turning point has led me to offer the following advice if you too are a worrier, stress a lot, or just find it difficult to relax...

1. Exercise. I know, I know. Some of you might roll your eyes at this, and I know that some people don't think exercise if for them but believe me - I was one of those people!! About 18 months ago, I wouldn't exercise if you paid me. But then I discovered running and I never looked back. It's become a part of my life and acts as a serious stress-reliever. The power of escaping your worries and running in the countryside is unbeatable.

2. Plug in those headphones, put on your favourite songs, and turn it up. Whether you feel like listening to a calming playlists (there's some great ones on Spotify), or you choose your favourite pop hits, do it without looking at/doing anything else - just listen. If you want to get up and dance, do it! Having a boogie is one of the best stress-busters.

3. Light some candles, get a mug of your favourite hot chocolate and curl up with a book or your favourite program. Go wild and add a bar of chocolate into the mix. Losing yourself in a fictional world is the perfect escape, even if I am biased as a Literature student!

4. Don't isolate yourself. This is easier to do than you realise. Working independently, even when you're surrounded by people, takes its toll and a simple interaction like a half-hour coffee break with friends will do wonders. It'll take your mind away from your worries, give you a chance to laugh and ensure you take a break from your work!

5. Nourish from within. Around the time I got into running, my diet and tastes had a change too. I discovered how good it feels to feed your body with the right foods and nutrients it needs. This is something that easily gets lost when you're stressed because you'll feel like spending time preparing something in the kitchen takes away from productive time spent elsewhere. But if you want your body and brain to perform at its best, there really is no replacing the benefits of good food. 

6. Take 10 minutes of total relaxation. If you find yourself on the verge of a complete panic, take a step away and for at least 10 minutes lie down, close your eyes and put all of your concentration into encouraging every muscle in your body to relax. I recently started going to yoga and other well-being classes and the relaxation time at the end is one of my favourite parts. No matter what my worries are, I'm able to forget them in this moment and concentrate on making my body feel more relaxed. On a similar note, don't disregard the power of sleep. The optimum of 7-9 hours per night allows your body to re-energise and gives a new perspective on things in the morning.

I hope these ideas could help you in the way that I've been encouraged by other bloggers to allow myself down time, and not feel guilty about it. I've realised that my well-being and health are super important and now definitely understand that my body needs time out to work at its best. 

Are any of you worriers too? What do you all do to relax? Or do you have any tips to help with stress management? As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts below!

The start of the end

A good-looking club - the Equestrian girls!

This year has flown by so quickly, I've hardly had a chance to think about the fact it's my final year at university - and now we're pretty much at the end. As leaving gets closer and closer, I'm definitely starting to notice myself thinking 'this will be the last time' when I do certain things but the biggest of all these moments so far was Colours Ball this weekend.

Colours Ball is the highlight of the sporting year at our university and awards people and clubs for their contributions to uni sport throughout the year. I've seen several friends get up on the stage for awards, and it's always been a little dream of mine to make sure I too got to do that before I leave forever! After an amazing nomination from my fellow committee members, that dream came true and I got my Club Colours for the commitment I've shown to the Equestrian Club over my time at uni. 

It is an amazing feeling to feel a part of the sporting community at university, and to have the support of my beloved little club behind me. I've realised how much I'll miss the club and the girls. This year we've had new members and old members returning but the evening showed that although we're still a small club, the people make it great. I've become so close with everyone this year and I have no doubts that they will continue the club's success next year and make it the best it's ever been.

I made my last Colours Ball count and had an incredible time, mainly due to company and how well it was all organised (and maaaybe a little too much wine...). We spent a lovely afternoon taking photos of us all and the weather was even nice for us, even when we returned at 2am in the morning.

My outfit was quite simple really, with my dress making the statement. My friends were brilliant (as always) with helping me get ready and I think it's safe to say we're all hugely looking forward to Graduation now. But I might lay off the wine a bit more next time... Being a final year makes a huge and horrible difference to my hangovers!

Dress - Reiss; shoes - M&S; clutch - Accessorize; earrings - Accessorize.

10 things that have made me happy this week...

This week has been stressful. Actually, let's stress stressful. It's been stresssssfullll. I'm fairly certain my body is now falling apart because of the pressure I've put myself under over the last week. But it's done, over, fini. So I thought that there would be no better way to end this pretty hard week with a positive post on why it's actually been pretty great after all:

1. I submitted my dissertation. I cannot explain the huge weight that has been lifted from my shoulders. This project probably totalled around a year's worth of work. To have finally finished it is both magical and strange. If I'm completely honest, I'm now feeling a bit lost... What did I do before dissertation took over my life? On the plus side, I now have more time to blog which I've missed a lot.

© Rachel Thomason. Yeeeeaahh, that feels good.

2. This smoothie from Harris + Hoole that I treated myself to post-workout during the week. Berries, apples, froth... Need I say more?

3. My breakfast on Saturday morning after a hardcore treadmill workout. It was exactly what I needed to start my morning before having a final read of my dissertation and submitting it. Apple and cinnamon overnight oats, topped with sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and peanut butter plus an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.

4. This post by Hannah Gale. If you're not familiar with her blog, go and take a look. An incredibly honest young woman whose posts never fail to strike a chord with me, or simply just make me howl with laughter.

5. The count-down to Amsterdam. It's a post-dissertation-submission treat and I am so so excited.

6. The Game of Thrones Season 5 trailer. O.M.G. Excitement does not cover it. Find it here. Go. 

7. This poem by Swinburne. Find full version here. Literature geek alert: we studied this in our seminar this week, and I actually quite enjoyed it. He's definitely got a different style to his Victorian contemporaries, and the themes are sometimes particularly disturbing/intriguing but I weirdly quite enjoyed studying it.

8. Running. Less enjoyable than normal this week which kind of contradicts the title of this post BUT the fact that I can and do run is a source of constant happiness. This week I needed the endorphins more than ever, and dragging myself out was hard but so worth it. Plus, I got to see this sunrise. Nothing beats this for me. Motivation for an early workout comes so naturally when it's this beautiful outside. It was the perfect start to my day.



9. The most amazing caramel latte which revived my love for coffee. It's the small things.

10. The daffodils that are coming out on campus. Springgggg. Winter is not coming... Spring is coming!! This fills me with so much happiness and positivity that it's clear I am just a true outdoors girl at heart. It was the perfect backdrop to give my dissertation one last read through before submission.


So yeah, stressful week balanced out by some small pleasures, and some bigger sources of excitement. Putting in all the work I did was tough, but as a bit of a over-conscientious stress-head, I probably didn't help myself. I do, however, know that as a result of said effort I honestly tried my absolute best. Better than best. So at least now, with my degree in someone else's hands, I can 100% say that I gave it my best shot. 

Also, exciting news! I'm now on bloglovin', yay! I'm still trying to get to grips with it all but I'm fairly sure it's going to be my new best friend. Follow me here!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

University Equestrian Competitions

Photo credit, left: Kiera

I wasn't meant to compete in the university Equestrian competitions this year, but I've ended up doing half of them anyway! My friend had a fall and her injury has meant that I've been called as a reserve (wear your body protectors riders! It saved her injury from being a whole lot worse...)

Anyway, maybe it's because I've gone along with a different, more relaxed attitude, maybe it's because I didn't particularly want to compete after I'd settled with reserve in my head, but regardless of the reason I'm actually doing well this year! 

We had our second competition on Wednesday and we came second as a team again which was a fantastic result. I also placed individually! I've done this before, but typically, it's been 8th which is just out of the rosette awards- but not this time! I got sixth which meant I got myself a new rosette to add to my now growing collection, yay! And what's more, it's pink- me, a girly girl? Never.

I was chuffed, the team was chuffed, and our A Team even came away with first at another competition. Faaaaab day.

It's taught me that I need to change the way I think. I lack a bit of confidence. Okay, okay- a lot of confidence. Not because I've had some sort of horrendous childhood or anything. In fact, I honestly couldn't tell you why. I just know that I can never, ever accept that I've done well. I'll always put down anything good with something like, 'Oh yeah but I could have done this better...' or 'it could have been this grade...' 

Frankly, that's sad. And I've had enough. I'm not the best rider in the world but The result from the last competitions clearly proves that I should have more confidence in my abilities so that's exactly what I'm going to do! Even though it'll be ridiculously hard to break the habit of a lifetime (evidence above!), I feel that it will probably lead me to a better state of mental well-being... i.e make me chirpier in the long run. Who doesn't want that?

Confidence- what you feel on the inside, you wear on the outside right? Let's do thisssss.

Final year student plans (or lack of...)

In a rare moment of down time in what has been a good few weeks of intense work to get three assignments submitted, I'm using the opportunity to get back in touch with the blogging world. By back in touch, I mean posting a little rambling which someone out there might read and go, 'hey- I do that too!' or just think I'm plain crazy...

My new favourite thing to do at the moment when I'm not obsessively finding new stuff to pin on Pinterest (I'm pretty sure I'm dangerously addicted...) is stalk the animal charity websites. Yeah, I know, it's probably very odd for a 21-year-old to spend her time looking at animals when she has a dissertation deadline looming. But for those of you that know me, and those of you who look at this blog, it's pretty clear I'm an animal lover and I'm probably also going to be a crazy cat lady one day (secretly looking forward to it). So I stalk these sites because I'm looking for a little lonely kitty that I can give a home to.

Problem is that I'm still at university and I feel like the fellow residents in our halls wouldn't be impressed if I brought a cat to live with us, that's assuming the accommodation people would let me have one in the first place- which they wouldn't. 

But it's all coming from a very logical place, I promise.

Where is my life going next? (... cue dramatic freak-out)

I'm a final year student with big dreams of 'not being ordinary', like everyone I suppose. I loathe the idea of sitting here in 10, 20 or 30 years' time and not feeling like I've made the most of every opportunity, or stopped myself from being happy. But I have no idea what that might be. I do, however, know what my short term goals are: a cute flat/small house, a little cat, a fiat 500 and a good degree. Do-able right? Right. But it's all dependent on me and the job I may (or may not) have. 

I'd love to be able to look into the future and see where I'll be, but I know the answer is lying with the decisions I make now. That's scary, actually it's terrifying. Buuuut, it's also amazing. I could literally do anything I want. Entering the 'real world' as us undergrads call it is going to be such a huge change, but it's also been the moment I've been working towards since I left school, took A Levels, went to uni etc... And as people keep telling me, I have the rest of my life to work and create the life I want. 

So while I might be dreaming of cute cats I could own, and jumping on all the new season homewares at Next, it's really just suppressed excitement about starting a new chapter in my life. Until then, I'm enjoying what's left of my final year because I probably won't ever get a point in my life where four hours a week is an acceptable timetable...

Appropriately cute photo of my cat (who can't come with me...)

10 Best Bits of 2014

Bonjour! Hello! It's me- I'm back! I understand if you no longer know who I am, it's been a long time. I have no excuses, other than life happened as it so often does. But while I sat here chipping away at another essay (yes, being back at university has hit harrrrd), I thought to myself: I really should do a blog post and not leave it to just be another new year's resolution (that I may or may not keep) because I miss it too much for that. There is understandably a recurring theme in the blogosphere at the moment, the '10 [insert appropriate somethings here] of 2014'. I have decided to jump on the bandwagon and instead of doing a generic catch-up post, thought I'd combine it with a few memories of an incredible year.

1. New Year in Paris

Kicking off 2014 in style with my bestest friend in the world, Sophie, in the best city in the world (I can't vouch for that admittedly, but Paris will always hold a special place in my heart). Even if it was a bit of a flop celebration-wise, we had a great time and it set the bar for the rest of the year. 

2. Mum and I in Paris

The most important lady in my life came to stay with me in Paris in March and I got to show her my new life. We had so much fun together and are even planning round two. Bring it on.

3. June in Paris

I spent my last weeks in Paris having an absolute ball, and my friend came to stay for my last weekend there. Sitting in my favourite cocktail bar, aptly named 'La Favorite', I felt that I was where I belonged and in that moment could see myself living permanently in Paris. Reality burst my bubble of course, but who knows what the future holds?

4. Summer in France

An amazing opportunity with a lovely family and a little girl who I really do miss. I got to see a part of France I never would have seen, and of course got to lounge in the sun too.

5. Lessons on Toffee

Photo of Your Horse Magazine 2014

Over summer I found a new instructor and have never looked back. In just a few lessons, she has made such a huge difference to my attitude and understanding of riding that I know I will make such great progress with her. To top off a great few jumping lessons, Toffee and I also made a name for ourselves in the monthly horse magazine Your Horse. I got to tell my story in their special confidence-centred issue and help other riders in similar situations. I even got a double page spread!

6. My 21st Birthday weekend

Turning 21 in styyyyle. Yes, I now feel old at uni, and yes, I probably need to start making life plans. But for now, I am enjoying my half-birthday as a 21-year-old who is generally having such a great time.

7. Venice

Even if I could have dreamt of the most perfect getaway for my 21st birthday, it wouldn't have topped the trip mum and I took to Venice in September. It was so so memorable and was the most amazing present my family could have given me.

8. Running 5k

Bearing in mind I only took up running properly last October as a huffing and puffing, could barely run 100 metres novice who really likes food, this has to be a huge landmark in my achievements this year. I ran my first 5k with the running club at uni in November in just over 25 minutes! I was aiming for around 30-35 minutes, so you can probably imagine how elated I was when I saw my result. I think I can class myself as a proper runner now!

9. Back with the Equestrian Club

Being back as Vice President of the Equestrian Club is a dreeeaaam. It's nice to still be a member of the committee without the pressure of Presidency and we have some great new members this year. The rosettes above were two of three I got on our Christmas fun day and our socials so far have been huge successes- it's great to be back with like minded horsey people and to see the club growing so much!

10. Christmas with my grandparents

For the first time since I can remember, my Nana and Grandad spent Christmas with us! My Grandad is 90 years old in May and my Nana is 82 and we thought it was high time we all spent the holiday season together. They live up north so transport has always been the problem but mum and I shared the drive so they could spend five days over Christmas with us, and it really was so special to have them there.

Thank you to everyone who has made this year so incredible... 

Here's to 2015!! Happy New Year!

Bed blogging and hooked on Girls

Before you think it, I do know how that sounds but it's true. I've just suffered one of the worst night's sleeps I have ever had and am currently nursing the flu. Of course, the day it chooses to incapacitate me is the nicest day we've had here in weeks and all I want to do is be outside, preferably on a long run somewhere. So I thought I'd do something really productive with my time instead, and have been making my way through the first season of Girls (I've been wanting to watch it for ages- see? Productive.)

It's a program which is unlike anything I've ever watched because it prides itself on being real. The girls are all normal and accurate respresentations of today's young women, and the scenes are acted with a raw, unstaged conversational edge. Sometimes, actually a lot, I seriously cringe at what happens but it's because the awkward moments are so reflective of the actual truth, and it's just something I'm not used to seeing on TV which isn't a reality program. 

It also helps that I'm able to relate to the whole thing of graduates trying to find their way in the world, as well as finding themselves (and men) along the way. It's made me miss my girls back in England more because all I want to do is meet for coffee, have a night out, or even a night in, and gossip and giggle and moan.

Before I watched it, my friend (who's already a dedicated watcher) said that one of the four girls reminded her of me. I can't remember which one she said, but I'm now a little worried because, apart from Marnie who I love but am certainly not like, I'm not sure I want to be likened to any of them! I can't work out whether we're meant to like Hannah, the main character, but I confess that she drives me up the wall because she is so self-centred, and worse still, seemingly ignorant of it. Frankly, I just don't like Jessa and then there's Shoshanna being all cutesy, clueless and doe-eyed all the time (and yet I can't help but want to be her friend and watch Sex in the City together).

The guys in the series balance it out and give it a decent comical aspect so it's not all just about a group of slightly deranged girls, wandering round New York city trying to sort out their lives. Even though, let's be honest, that's why I watch it: it comforts me to know that I might not be the only one without a grand plan when I leave university.

All in all, you know it's a good sign when your cursor constantly reaches for the next episode button, and I need some distraction from this illness. So for the time being I'll just have to keep watching! xoxo

This could all work out okay...

‘Home’ is a word which is difficult to define. For many, it is used loosely to refer to where they live, but it means more than that. Home is where you are most comfortable, the place you long for when you’re alone or upset, or even just cold. Home is the one place to which you know you can always return and everything will be better once you’re there. That’s how I feel about my home in England, and almost felt about my house at university. And I can feel that my little room in France will also be like home one day.

I have been here two weeks now, which has gone so quickly. I have just finished doing my first full week of teaching and went on a school trip to Chartres on Tuesday which was beautiful, but exhausting. I spoke French for the entire day, listened to French for the entire day and even read French. So although it was difficult, it was so good for me. I’m using my free time to get to know the area and have even visited the riding school to have a lesson, and book another four which I did all by myself, and all in French! It’s little things which feel like real achievements and they make me a little bit happier each day....

...To read the rest of this post about my adventures, click here to go to my Parisian Life page on this blog.

La Défense will definitely become my shopping heaven

My new home

My first view of France coming out of the channel tunnel

I’ve spent my first weekend at Notre-Dame-Les-Oiseaux, having arrived on Wednesday night at around 5 o’clock. The first two days were extremely difficult, but I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Initially, it was incredibly lonely. There is no one close to my own age and all I needed the first night I was here was a bit of a hug really, preferably from mum! But even in just a few days, I feel so much happier and am beginning to appreciate my situation, rather than resenting it!

I am speaking French more than I had hoped and it has turned into another thing to worry about as my skills are more than rusty, and it is no exaggeration when people say the French speak incredibly fast! I know it will be good for me in the long run but in terms of settling in, it’s certainly making things more uncomfortable. However, I did bring a few grammar books with me and I am constantly trying to look up things I’ve forgotten or don’t understand. One of the nicest things is that everyone has been so patient with me and the school is so friendly.

When I met with my supervisor on Thursday afternoon, I felt so much better afterwards. She gave me a tour of the school, introduced me to everyone I would need to have contact with, and even said I could sit in on my first English lesson with her. Of course I jumped at the chance, and actually ended up teaching for a bit which was really exciting! She even took me into meet the Headmaster of the school which was so scary as I had to talk in French but I understood him and I think he understood most of what I was trying to say. It’s small successes like that which have made me feel far better about being here. Keeping busy has been extremely beneficial in helping me settle in.

However, there have been other challenges: my internet doesn’t work; at best it’s ridiculously sporadic. So I can’t Skype, or even post a photo on Facebook to let my friends know I’ve arrived safely. And friends are what I need at the moment. I can’t imagine I will find anyone my age any time soon either, especially because I’m unable to get online and look at the date of the next Franglish event in Paris to meet like-minded people.

I was also lacking a few rather essential things which I just assumed might have been here for me. I had no duvet, and no towels, no hand soap and other little bits like tissues. But then, like a fairy godmother, my cleaner came along and has really looked after me! She speaks no English and her French is more difficult to understand because she’s Spanish so there really was a language barrier. But we eventually managed to understand each other and she realised what I needed and when I returned to my room later, she had brought me duvets and towels and now each time I return to my room she has brought me a little something else! It really is small, kind gestures like that which mean the world to me at the moment.

The school is also genuinely beautiful. I am staying in the chateau next to one of the turrets and look out to the front of the school. There’s a lovely little room with space to sit and a hob to cook on, a television and radio and it looks out across the park on which the school is built. Furthermore, the town is gorgeous, with little cobbled streets and bakeries and smaller gift shops. There’s even a market on Sundays with all the stalls you could wish for.

Everyone really has been extremely welcoming and kind. The ladies in charge of boarding, have been a great help in showing me around, getting to grips with the way things work, and helping me improve my French. I have recently met another guy who is working with the international students who has been absolutely amazing. He was here last year and is working with the international students. His French is much better than mine so he offered to come and help me do a few admin bits on Friday morning. By lunchtime I had set up my bank account, been to the post office, and bought my navigo pass! We were very productive, and I was so grateful to have that little bit of knowledge beside me.

A beautiful Friday morning

I have been invited to a shopping centre and cinema a few stops away on the train this afternoon with a few of the students, and I seized the opportunity. Now that I can get out and about with my navigo pass, I think it will make me feel a lot better because I’ll be able to do things.

I think the most difficult part is when I keep thinking, it’s okay, it’s not for long and then suddenly have to catch myself when I realise I’m here for a year. And the earliest point at which I can return home will be toward the end of October. That’s hard- especially when it’s all feeling very difficult still. I’m so glad the placement tutors recommended we take photos because, although it kind of makes things worse looking at my family, friends and animals, it also gives me a bit of comfort to know they’ll be there when I eventually return.