Exams over

The day finally came. The end of year two. It has all happened so fast. The last exam was horrible, but I did my best. I made sure that I was calm and tried to remember all I learnt over the year in biological and cognitive psychology. It was my least favorite unit but I attended the lectures and read lots.

My plan for this year has been to complete all my work on time. I was really scared of taking those exams. But I focused and now it's time to celebrate. I have not achieved this all by myself. I have had great teachers and support from other students which has enabled me to focus. When I was short of funds I got help from the access to learning fund. I had to put a lot of negative feeling about studying to the back of my mind.

This weekend I going to go dancing I love music I think after 3 terms of psychology. It's time to put the books and files away and enjoy myself until it's time to go and earn some money to get me through year 3 I can't relax fully until the results are in but until then well done to all the student in psychology and counselling therapies we completed another year and the best is yet to come.

University is out for summer Jamaica here I come.

Last day year 2 over

Counseling Exam -

A day to remember today I took my Counselling exam. It's been 27 years since I last wrote an essay in an hour. Wasn't really sure if I could remember all that information but as I learnt in psychology the memory is a wonderful thing.

I really trying to focus on retaining information encoding it. The deeper the processing the easier it us to recall. So lots of reading and practicing. Attending lectures and reading helps to bring meaning to new knowledge and thinking about how I could apply it to real life helps with recalling information. Trying to find examples to attach thus meaning to it. It’s easier to remember occasions if they have meaning.

I am pleased that the information flowed out my head. I used a mind map to plot my essay. Then the words just came out. I didn't remember that I couldn't spell , I just told my story. I really enjoyed it.

The grade will tell me how accurate my recall was I hope that I did well because I feel really good about finishing the exam.  I managed by stress. I think I spent more time taking care not to panic than study.

Being at university is not just about putting it your mind. You have to let it out at some stage My learning came out today not a text book or journal or internet in sight all what I could remember

Good preparation for when I get my tools back. I don't think I am ever going to be scared of writing again.

Employability

This week the focus is all about future careers. Going to university will give me a better opportunity to compete for jobs in different industries. I have develop a portfolio for one of my assignments. This meant that I had to reflect on my career history and to look for a job that I would like to do in the future.

When I left my job to come to university, I thought that I wanted to be a counsellor. It the reason why I choose to do my degree in psychology and counselling therapies.  However, being at university bought back the passion I have for helping people learn. I have always worked in the public and commercial sectors and never really considered working in higher education.

 Some of my lecturers have inspired me to want to teach and some of them has made me think that I could do that. My choice of job for the portfolio was a psychology lecturer. It was surprising to find that I will require a PHD to teach. This information has reinforced my decision to stay in higher education and go all the way. I wonder if I will end up teaching at Bedfordshire university  if so I think it will be a great joy. 

my old job as trainer with springboard group

my future Job

Exam Revision

It’s time to get down to revision. I have 4 exams 2 which are multipile choice and to written ones. I cant say I am looking forward to it, but its what I am there for to test my learning.

I have made a revision plan and will try to stick to it. I don’t want to become to stressed. I am worried about the written exams as I have dyslexia i will have extra time but this does not help with spelling. I want to do well as the exams  form a large percentage of your overall grade.

I have spent a fortunte on index cards and spend a lot of time making notes for me to remember all the various theories we have learnt in the different subjects and believe me psychology has lot of different therioes.

Research methods is causing me most concern I hae to remember which test for which xperiment. I will have to read and analyse data and write up the results using the right format.

Practice seems to be the only way so i am spending my days and nights writing out the formulas and I just hope I remember them.

Its important to find some time for relaxation during this period as constant worry is no good for anyone. I am concentrating on doing my best and I hope my best will give me the grades I need. 

planning is key

my desk and my cat to keep me calm

Springtime

The sun is out and I am enjoying the spring. It’s lovely to see the spring flowers and to have longer days. I have been celebrating my granddaughters 4^th birthday. It was lovely event with my family and friends of my daughter. Some of them are in their first year at university so it was good to compare stories.

My 2^nd year is nearly over. I can’t believe that the time has gone so quickly. I have just one piece of written work to submit then I can get down to revision. This stage of university is really about consolidating your knowledge. I have realised how much I learnt in year one and that knowledge has helped me to success n year 2.

 Spring is about new beginnings which usually gives me hope that I will have more opportunity to experience different things. I am beginning to see the first signs that I have learnt things in psychology and about studying which has improved my self-confidence.

Being at university gives you so many different things, it’s not just about the academic achievements. Learning to motivate yourself and learn independently are important skills which contributes towards success in making the transitions into higher Education.

So If you are considering go to university why not come to an open day where you get to speak to students who are living the experience.

studying in the sun

Accommodation

Accommodation

This week has been interesting its the start of exam season. Lots to do but its good spending time at home. I live in my own accommodation so I don’t have to worry about where I live outside of term time.

If you are thinking about coming to university it is important to consider where you going to live.  For many students its the first time that they are going to live away from home.  Choosing the right accommodation is important as it will be the place where you spend your time outside of the university. For some students living on campus is a good option. There is no travel involved and there is the added security of living with other students. Living in halls also gives students a chance to make new friends. This option can be expensive however, for younger students in their first year it may be the best option

During year two, many students share renting a house this is a cheaper option than living in halls but you have the added responsibility of paying bills. This option will give you more independence. But you will have to find a deposit.

If you are lucky enough to live at home whilst studying it is important to factor in travel time and costs. This can also mean you don’t do as many things socially but if you make the effort to do some campus events you can have the best of both worlds

Whatever option you choose do a budget and ensure that you can afford it and its safe.

living in halls

Ladies Weekend

This weekend has been all about celebrating womanhood. Each year for international women’s month over 200 women take themselves off to a wonderful hotel in Bristol for a weekend of pampering, fun and joy. The weekend provided me with some time to rest and recuperate, after months of intense studying.

I used my time to swim and just relax whilst, spending time listening to other women and what has happened since last year. Taking care of your emotional wellbeing is an important part of studying. This time was all about me and my friends. Having the chance to dressed up and have a lovely 3 course meal on Saturday night is always my highlight. Being a student you will often see me in jeans or leggings. It was lovely to spend time getting made up and worrying about what to wear. This year’s theme was silver and gold. I was very fortunate that I have a niece who was able to source me a gold dress at the last minute at a very good price. After food we were entertained by a very good singer. He did a brilliant job entertaining over 200 women.

It doesn’t stop there. After dinner we then have a disco. I was able to dance the night away (after taking off those heels). I love music and dancing it’s a great form of exercise for me. I didn’t get to bed until 6 in the morning.  Spending time with my closet friend was great. As we  no longer live near to each other I don’t get to see her often . Catching up with all the different things that have gone on in our lives, in a relaxing environment was just what was needed.

dressed to impress

Time to relax

Still got some free time to look forward to. I am going to have a great Easter.