Re: Access Reflection
Well Kate, you inspired me to get mine done so here it is. Not sure if I haven't gone off the point rather in a few places...
Looking back at my life since starting Access in September at what I can only describe as a rollercoaster of a ride with many ups and downs and twists and turns which I have been proud to share with such an amazing group of people whom I have come to admire immensely and many of whom I believe will remain friends for years to come. These last 10 months have been as much about the growth and development of a team as it has been a personal journey.
When I started the course back in September, I was nervous, excited and a little bit scared. Having graduated university over 5 years ago and lacking the confidence to actually use my degree I’d fallen into office work that required little use of my brain, then after having my first child, postnatal depression removed all self confidence and I became a shadow of myself for years. I was unsure that my brain was still capable of learning, or that I would be able to fit studying around running a family and a home. Also I was worried about making friends on the course as I am not the most outgoing person and am very shy around new people.
At first, the thought of joining in class discussions was terrifying to me and I would keep my opinion to myself for fear of looking stupid, now I am amongst the first to jump in with my thoughts and if I disagree with someone I am not afraid to say so. I have grown as a person in so many ways, far more than I thought possible in such a short time. I am far more confident that I have ever been, both socially and academically, although, after four failed driving tests I still have a fear of driving which I must overcome as the ability to drive will make my life so much easier especially once at university as I will have placements at a considerable distance from where I live.
For me the most academically taxing part of the course has been sociology. It is a subject I have never touched upon previously, and to be perfectly honest, coming from a scientific background, had always considered it a ‘Mickey Mouse’ subject. This view has proved to be far from true and it is a subject I have had to work very hard at, however I have enjoyed the challenge and it has fast become a favourite subject for me.
I have learned that I am happiest when under pressure both academically and practically, as in having to undertake a lot of tasks at once, involving organisation and prioritisation skills that I didn’t know I had. It is fair to say that this course has taken over my life and, to some extent the lives of my family. No person is an island and I could not have gotten through this course without the support of my family. My parents have been amazing, looking after my boys 5 days a week whilst I have been at college and work and even helping me out with a few household chores. My husband has been my rock, making sure I didn’t give up on myself during the times I didn’t think I would get my assignments finished on time. Also I could not have gotten by without the mutual support from my fellow students; we have all bonded as a team and helped each other out whenever needed.
While I am very much looking forward to the next chapter of my journey, I am going to miss being at college. Taking this Access course has been one of the best decisions of my life and I am so very glad that I made it.
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