Back to reality....

As my second year of freshers fest has come to an end I'm finding myself writing this post to distract myself from the current state of freshers flu that I'm in. Don't be fooled, it is a thing and it defiantly isn't fun....but so worth it. 

I thought I'd use this form of procrastination to share my thoughts on the beginning of my second year, and my hopes for the year (dreams if you will). 
Already I've got a sense that this year is much more serious than my first, with the amount of pressure I am currently under to start searching and applying for placements. As my course is four years, I have the opportunity to go into industry for a year between my second and final year of studying, to get an idea of the working world and what I may want to do. This is an extremely exciting concept, as who wouldn't want to get a taste of the industry they're so passionate about...without the commitment of being tied down for many years. The world is my oyster. 

However, the mass of placements and applications can be a little overwhelming, as I found out the hard way, and I have defiantly discovered that its worth asking for some help to make your application the best it can be. Obviously I'm expecting to be rejected from many a placement opportunities but it doesn't make that experience any less disheartening. However, positivity is the way forward and I am determined to stay in that mindset. 

This year I've also taken on the challenge of a part time job alongside my studies which could be challenging when all the deadlines start to pile up but I think this will be a beneficial challenge in the end. Being able to balance work, studying and social activities is a key life skill so why not start now. Although, I've only completed two shifts so far at the student union bar I am confident that I'm going to enjoy the job and the new group of people that comes with it.

In addition, to getting a part time job I also worked as a Student Ambassador at the University open days. I love these kind of events as it gives me a chance to meet lots of new people and share my great experiences, which I hope prospective students would find helpful when making their decisions about university. Not only did I get to meet lots of prospective students but also chat to a new group of people that already go to the university, which is always nice. 

As usual freshers fortnight was a blast, in which it was great to catch up with everyone I hadn't seen in the long four month break. It was also a time to go out and have a bit of fun without the worry of having lectures the next day which is always a pro. 
However, starting lectures again has taken a little bit of time to get back in the swing of, but hopefully it'll become more of a routine again. 
I'd defiantly advise any new freshers to stock up on lots of tissues, tea and cold and flu medicine, because lets be honest freshers flu takes a while to shake off, and the comforts of home are not as close anymore!

I hope to continue to push myself in new ways this year, and take the next big step to achieve my dream career. 

Here's a few of my favourite pictures from freshers, thanks for reading! :) 

Body positivity

Body positivity is a huge topic within the media today, and something that has been of great significance to me growing up. I've never been someone who has had much self confidence when it comes to my figure, which I guess many people are the same. It's such a sensitive topic. 

However, I think it's important to talk about these issues, which many are created by society and social media. 

As a teenage girl I think these issues are especially poignant. The constant pressure from sites such as Instagram and Tumblr can have such huge effects on someone confidence. Constantly comparing yourself to these model like figures, which are often hugely distorted by societies opinion of perfection. Who wouldn't love to have perfect abs, and toned legs, but lets be honest, unless your a major gym goer or fitness fanatic many of these figures are not obtainable. Of course it is so important to strive to be happy and healthy, and I salute anyone who had the motivation and determination to get these attributes but this doesn't mean they are any more acceptable or beautiful than every other body type. 

This issue came to my attention recently while I was browsing some of my favourite shopping sites online. It shocked me to see that the models these sites were using and advertising as 'Plus Size' were no where near plus size, but were merely curvy. Placing this label on people who have a different body shape could have some detrimental effects upon someones view of their body. Suggesting that curvy means larger, which is in no way accurate. 

I guess my point here is that I, like many women struggle understand why we are constantly advertised certain aspects as beautiful, rather than individuality, or the promotion of happiness. After all every one is different. I hope in the future advertising on social media will adapt with the times and place a more positive outlook towards body positivity, but for now I guess it's your attitude towards this and yourself should be the main driver.