I have just finished my last official block of my creative writing diploma — with one more assignment and portfolio to get to me to my final award. At the end of the module, a video was waiting for me — for all of us — congratulating us on this journey and giving us advice for the future. The video finished with our tutors all drinking champagne and cheering us on. That video summed up how the course felt the whole way through — and yes, there were a lot of tears.
When I undertook this journey — which really I fell into after a conversation with a relative and the words of an old English teacher wouldn't rest in my head — I never imagined this. Never imagined going to two of the best universities in the world, completing not only one but three diplomas, and making the most gorgeous friends all over the world.
Let's just caveat this by explaining that I thought I was the worst student in the world. I never had the parental support most kids have to even bother showing up to school, and repeated Year 11 when I decided I wanted to be a pilot. I barely scraped through. But now, as an adult and a desire to study for myself things have been so different.
I believe the journey when you're an adult is such a rewarding one, especially if you're studying for yourself, not your career. You're making a choice to study something you are passionate about and then you are bankrolling it yourself too, which really adds a sense of value.
But along the journey, you will get to meet other people just like you. I have made lifelong friendships with people around the world, on the same journey. We've supported each other not only throughout our courses but also other life events.
And as far as fitting it into your schedule, well, if you want to do it, you will find a way. I have an amazing dream team who take some of the pressure off, and having an understanding workplace helps. But if this is your dream, you will make it work!
Take time to reflect: what do you really want to do?