The 7th December 2016 will forever be the day that I graduated from university. I did it. I actually did it. I, now and forever, hold a degree in English and Creative Writing. I have a 2:1 Bachelors degree with Honours.
I just need a moment to let that sink in.
To fully understand why this means so much to me, I feel I should tell you a little bit about myself.
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- I am the first person in my immediate family to go to university.
- I am the first person (obviously) in my immediate family to graduate.
- I didn't get it right the first time. I spent a year in Sheffield studying before transferring to Salford.
- I did not go to college when I finished high school. I was nineteen when I finally re-entered education.
- I do not have a-levels.
- I have an access to higher education diploma in English, Writing, and Media.
- I graduated my undergraduates BA HONS degree in English and Creative Writing at the grand old age of 24!
- I almost quit many times in my first few weeks.
- I'm so very thankful that I didn't quit.
- I have battled with depression and anxiety for a long time, including throughout my years at University.
- I experienced great high's and low's because of this.
- I am in a much better place in my life, and position for my future, because I went to university and because I stuck it out.
- I made friends that I never would have met without going to university, and now I could not imagine my life without them.
- I completed my third and final year of my degree, whilst pursuing and attaining a 150 hour TEFL course in my spare time, and working at least five days a week.
- I was promoted at my job during this time.
- I know what it means to be poor and tired and stressed out.
- I also know what it means to be happy, and impulsive, and to nurture new friendships.
I'll stop with my list now, but I could happily go on all night.
I guess the main point that I want to make is that if you are reading this, and considering attending university, I would urge you to do so. Before I applied, I had always believed that it wasn't for me. I was too introverted, depressed, anxious, poor, stupid,..
I wasn't, and neither are you.
You can be more. You are worth it. It is achievable.
Yes, it is hard work. Yes, there are times where the workload will feel overwhelming. Yes, there are times where you will wonder how a human can possibly live on beans on toast.
Work hard.
Have fun.
Take things at your own pace.
Choose something you are passionate about. Or choose something you want to pursue a career in. Preferably, choose both. Ultimately, university will give you so much more than a degree. I promise you.
Now, if that isn't inspirational enough for you, here are some pictures from my time matriculating at The University of Salford.
First house share with my new found university friends. This was our living room.
Me at an exhibition in Media City, Salford, UK, where two of my poems were displayed.
At a Holi colour festival in University halls, my first year in Salford
A birthday card and gift off one of my housemates whilst working through a particularly stressful deadline.
My bedroom in our first house share.
That time during third year that I built a den to help me write my assignment.
That time during assignment research that I discovered this gem.
Research. This is what it looks like.
My bedroom during third year (and currently).
A day of fun in our bath. Because Uni isn't always workloads and revision.
See above caption.
Some of the many books I have accumulated during my time at university. Totally worth it.
Me graduating.
Me graduated.
Until the abyss,
Samie x
