Friendship

Hi everyone, this week has been another challenging week. I am still not feeling 100% but that does not stop the work from university, descending upon me at a great pace.  So what helps me to carry on during good times and bad, the theme of this week’s blog “its friendship”? Where would I be without them? In our research methods unit we are conducting a study on friendship, this has made me reflect on the importance of friendships at university and in life generally.

As a mature student I didn’t have great expectations of making new friends at uni.  I already have a group of lifelong friends who I have been close to for many years. However none of them are studying psychology. The group of friends I have made a university are great. I have now acquired friends who are much younger than me and it’s wonderful. We share many things in common but importantly we are all aiming to achieve the same goal to graduate in 2016 hopefully with a 1^st.  Some of  my friends work as student ambassadors and my closest friend at university is someone who I met through ambassador work. She constantly inspires me and always takes the time to listen. I hope that its mutual and I will always be ready to give her the time she needs.

Me and my BFF at work

University is not just about learning new things that could help me have a better career, the social aspect means a lot to me. I understand how students who have moved away from home can feel. I am a Londoner and moved to Bedford 6 years ago, most of my friends still live in London , as I don’t work there anymore, I don’t see as much of my friends as I would like.

Taking part in activities at university and being involved in group work is a good way of making new friends for those student who live away from campus. So don’t be afraid there will always be another student who in has things in common with you.

Leaving you with a musical message about friendship

Ben E King Stand by Me Have a great week http://youtu.be/BTCfQ6Bb8QE

Welcome to my Wonderful World of Psychology

Welcome to the wonderful world of psychology

Hi everyone welcome to my first blog. I am currently in my second year studying psychology and counselling therapies. I came to university because I love learning and finally had an opportunity to study full time. After 28 years of working as a learning and development consultant it was my chance to be the student and not the teacher.

 The previous year at university had been full of wonderful surprises and many nights pouring over my books. I have covered a wide range of different topics ranging from Aggression to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.  I have overcome some major challenges in writing academically. Support has been available through our PAD team who offer drop in sessions or fixed appointments, they are really friendly and helpful, and no one who needs help in improving their academic work should worry about going to them. I have great support from my group of university friends. It was difficult at first, because lots of people thought I was a lecturer (just because I am older) however I have a great group of people to work with and spend time with them developing our plans and revising for exams.

Apart from being a student I also work for student recruitment as an ambassador but I am currently working in a temp post covering admin and looking after the team of over 30 wonderful student ambassadors. It’s great fun and provides a wonderful opportunity to meet potential students and talk with them and their parents about student life. During the summer of 2014 I worked with a great group of SA’s who really did change people lives by encouraging them to apply to university when they never thought that they could. The work we do is so rewarding and when I meet  students in  university who I met at an open day or campus tour I always take the time to find out how they are finding things in their first year as it can be quite daunting.

HOORAY I have now really settled in and achieved my first A for written work and really looking forward to continuing my journey as a learner.

I am looking forward to catching up with you next week.

leaving you with one of my favourite songs that always inspires me- aint no stopping us now.

 http://youtu.be/VgYczUH-QWQ