I have recently come to the end of my first year at University, and I have to say I am shockingly sad. I never thought that 8 months would go so quickly and i would be so sad for my fist year to end.
Over the past 8 months I have learnt many things not just relating to my course but in life in general. Moving out of my house and hometown for the first time was one of the most exciting, yet strange things i think I've ever done. Moving in to a flat with 12 other people and learning new traits from people has been very beneficial. I'm grateful that I've been so lucky to live with such nice people, and I hope a few will be with me for a while. I'm also lucky that I've been one of the few that hasn't had really bad home sickness, especially as I've only been home on 3 separate occassions apart from Easter and Christmas holidays.
Starting a new course that I didn't like, has meant I've had to make decisions that will affect my life, either drop out of university or swap courses. I swapped courses after a week of being at university, and I do not in any way shape or form regret it. There have been a few times in which I have thought about dropping out of uni because of homesickness, and my course has been the one thing that has kept me here.
Before I came to university I knew that the one sports team I wanted to join was Trent Tigers Cheerleading Squad. I have done competitive cheer since I was 12, then I stopped when I was 17 due to 6th from classes conflicting with my training times, so for me to be able to get back into cheer has been amazing for me. Also I don't think that I would have done half as much exercise if I wasn't on the squad, I probably would have gained a good few stone in my first year without it.
My course has taught me a lot this year about marketing, promotion, upgrading, repositioning, team work and managing with deadlines, although at some points I couldn't see the point in somethings, I am now very glad that I have been taught it. My course has meant that I got to visit New York for the first time on one of their trips, which was the most amazing experience. My course has also led me to meet some of the most wonderful girls who I have had semianrs and lectures with for the last 8 months, and they have been part of the reason that I have enjoyed my first year so much.
I now have 4 months of summer to do with what I like. I had applied to do Camp America this summer, I managed to get passed the interview stage, but due to the recession I was unable to be placed, therefore I have been left with nothing to do this summer. I now need to find some work experience which will hopefully help me decide what career I want to follow at the end of my third year as I am currently completely clueless.
If there is anything that I have learnt within the last 8 months it is that Nottingham Trent University, is by far the most perfect university for me.
