I cant believe it is all over (well until my masters starting in September). Now that I have finally had time to draw breath I wanted to reflect on my time at university and what I learnt along the way. It has been a crazy four year journey and I am so thankful to every single person who played a part in creating such a fantastic experience, it hard to believe how far I have come and how much I have changed throughout my time at Leeds! University is by no means for everyone, it's a huge step to take especially due to the ridiculous cost it currently requires to attend but for me it was worth every penny.
You don't need to know everything- When I started university, what I thought I wanted to do is so far away from what I am currently hoping to pursue. A lot of my friends have also had a similar experience. Many leave uni feeling just as lost as when they arrived in terms of what they want to do in the future, and so thinking that I need to know exactly what I want to do all the time is unrealistic (even if a little frustrating)!
You won't be the same person you were when you arrived- I think the most important thing I have gained whilst at university is the way I have grown as a person. Yes there are some days where I dislike my self, that's normal, but I have undergone so many experiences and met so many incredible people that how I view the world and my own ambition is very different. I have grown in confidence, learnt so many new skills and gained interests in so many areas. Now I am a far better, more rounded individual who understands the world and herself a lot more and I would not have learnt that in the same way if I hadn't gone to university.
You'll gain and lose friends- University is an overwhelming time with so many people it can be hard to know who you will get on well with. I have met a lot of my closest friends at university and although I may not speak to them every day or week, when we do speak it's like no time has passed. This being said, I have also made and lost numerous friends whilst at university. Sometimes friends are meant to be in your life for only a short period, that doesn't mean you can't have shared amazing memories. Different stages of life means sometimes people drift apart and that's ok and learning to not beat yourself up when you lose contact with people, especially if you try to get in touch has been a hard lesson to learn.
Taking a risk is worth it- I feel like I have been taking risks at university from day one. I tried out to be part of the Leeds Celtics cheerleading squad and competed in nationals to be classed as the best university cheerleading team in the UK. Although I tore my back muscle, had a shoulder that popped out whilst doing comp and required a fair amount of physio, I also met some of my closest friends and have some of my fondest memories from my 2 years in the club. I decided I wanted to have a placement in South Africa, where I spent 3 months following Samango monkey's from dawn till dusk which was physically gruelling but taught me a lot about what I thought I wanted. Last but not least I also met my boyfriend who for me was a massive risk as I had no clue where my life was heading. He somehow convinced me that I should be with someone who was 2 years younger than me to, a small feat and certainly a risk well worth taking.
Quality is better than Quantity- This phrase is said to me all the time, whether it be for writing an essay or friendship and it is so true in every element of life. I am a person who wants to be friends with everyone, my time at uni made me realise it is better to have a few fantastic people in your life who you really connect with than a large group of people who you hang out with but aren't really that close to any of them. Having lots of friends when none of them are that close can leave you feeling lonelier than just a few people you can rely on.
Family are incredible- My family have been and continue to be my rocks throughout any difficult time. My mum is the most inspiring women I have ever known and her persistence, drive and determination as well as being an absolute boss has made me believe I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Although I may not be super book smart, I have so many more valuable skills that will be useful when I finally get out into the real world. My family will always pick me up when I'm low and are filled with wise words as well!
Make the most of everything- University really is what you make of it. Some people choose to not socialise or try new things and although they enjoy their experience, they often miss out on so many opportunities. I would love to live through my time at university again from beginning to end, there maybe a few things I would change, but overall I have loved what it has given to me and I would encourage anyone heading to university to dive in head first.
You can achieve anything- Everyone's story is different, everyone at university is trying to achieve different things but what ever you want to do you can if you put you're mind to it. In my placement year I juggled blogging for fun, getting fit, having an operation, writing a 6,000 word report and a lit review as well as working horrendous hours, before somehow having the energy to travel around South Africa with my best friend. It was a crazy 12 months but the most fulfilling time of my life. Dream big and don't stop until you get to where you're happy with!
To all of the incredible people I have met at university, THANK YOU! You have made my life better and my experience at university the best it can possibly be, even if its just been a smile when I've been low or a night out with plenty of laughs along the way.
Much Love
I remember my graduation day, it was a very pleasant moment in my life. These were the best years of knowing more serious things and I achieved high results, which I could apply in my work today. I wrote very seldom something, it was not for me, I preferred mathematical sciences. Who needs to write something check here, I advise, they saved my life many times.
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