So, here's that time of year where everyone is making resolutions which, undoubtedly, they won't stick to and planning this year ahead of themselves. Instead of resolutions (except my 2014 bucket list, which I will complete), I figured it would be more beneficial for me to make a plan for this year. Seeing as this year is pretty big, I want to make the most of it and make the best decisions for me to benefit my future and help in the many years to come.
As I finish college this year, I want to make the most of it. Where I let Sixth Form and my school years simply pass me by without even taking into consideration the memories that could've been. Admittedly, I do have memories and good ones too, but I could've done so much more. So, this year, I am making the most of it and so far so good! I want to leave this year not regretting the past two years because, after May/June, that is it. No more education, time to start finding my feet in the real world - scary stuff! This made me realise I need to think about what I want this year when I finish college and to plan out what I'm going to do with myself.
First, I need to look for a new job. Shockingly, I don't think my childcare qualification will get me very far in Sainsburys. Sigh. So, from February onwards, I need to look and see what is available on the job market that suits me for what I am capable of in terms of careers and my ideal future.
Second, I want to show my full potential and show everyone what I am capable of. I want to prove those who think I am a failure at life wrong - putting it bluntly. Truth is, I'm not a failure. I'm actually kind of bright and I do have the potential to do well and succeed in life. By the end of this year, I will be able to look back and feel proud of what I've achieved.
Third, I need to declutter my life. Has to be said, this may take a little more effort and a lot more time. So much I need to clear and get rid of in my life - you wouldn't believe how much I need to sort! Clothes, old school/sixth form/college work and supplies, music, films.. Turns out my boxes from IKEA will come into a lot of use, and my younger sister will love the amount of clothes coming her way!
Next, I want to be more organised. As the people who know me personally will know, I have my moments where I actually can be organised but, sadly, these are very rare occasions. This year, I want to up my game and be more on the ball than ever to keep on top of everything. Like my blogging, for example. My blogging is so scattered because of work and college etc. Priority takes over and the little things are forgotten about which really sucks. This year, I want to make time in my schedule for the little things. So my blogging will become a bit more consistent and regular compared to normal, keep your eyes peeled!
Finally, I want to be healthier. This year, I noticed I had lost weight and that was such a proud moment for me. Admittedly, a mixture of stress and trying to lose weight wasn't the best combination, but it made a difference. I notice in myself that I'm a lot thinner than I was and people have commented on the changes which is always good! Hopefully, fingers crossed oh so much, there won't be as many little stressors this year to impact on me so I can spend less time worrying and more time being more productive and concentrating on making myself the best I can be. This time last year, I was a 12/14 in clothes. By the end of this year, I aim to be a size 10/12 - already there depending on which brand I purchase from! Hopefully, this time next year, I can look back and see how much I've changed.
So there we have it, this years plan! Bring on 2014, I guess..
Hey guys! Hope you all had an awesome Halloween. Bit of a different kind of post today. Not music, not film.. More of a realisation and life rant if I'm completely honest. Now, I've been sat having a proper think this miserable, British evening and I came to a horrible conclusion. I'm 19, still in college and supposed to be 'starting' my life next year. I have no clue as to what I want to do. This could be an issue..
Looking at some of the people I went to school with who are either my age, older or, in some cases, younger, I am very behind in comparison. They're all getting engaged, having babies or even married! Then there's me. Socially awkward, incredibly childish and immature and genuinely terrified at the thought of growing up. Great start, right? I can't seem to maintain a relationship without getting myself hurt, can't seem to make 'grown up' decisions (unless planning how to rearrange my room counts as one..) and so on. Then I look at my family. One of my cousins is married with two kids, another is in a well paid recruitment job practically rolling in the money, others are at university or starting their lives with partners.. I'm one of the only ones who didn't go to university and, quite frankly, I feel like I'm going nowhere..
I absolutely love the course I'm doing at college. I mean, it's childcare - what's not to love, right?! Wrong, coursework is a nightmare. Other than that, the course is pretty awesome and I love it. The girls are lovely, the teachers are (mostly) supportive, the course itself is insightful and interesting.. But where will it take me? So far, I'm doing really well. Got an A for the first year and aiming for an A this year which will be an almighty challenge to say the least, but what will I do with it? At the end of the day, I aspire to be either a nanny or a teaching assistant - prefer the idea of a teaching assistant if I'm honest, but nannying a small child would be just as rewarding! Maybe when I get into my career more, I could go into teacher training. Not 100% yet.. But that takes me to next year.. What the hell am I going to do when I come out of being in education for 16 years...
In my head, there are so many things I would love to do next year. Some more realistic as per usual! Like, I'd love to work with Disney. The cruise line, the actual parks... More realistically, I have a higher chance of working somewhere like Centre Parcs or Butlins. Really pushing the boat out there.... Not. admittedly, Centre Parcs wouldn't be so bad if I got into something enjoyable. Ideally, I'd love to get a teaching assistant job or a nannying career and eventually move out of home with a good enough salary to support me. Wishful thinking, right? I think so too. All I want is a secure career which I enjoy and a happy life. Is that too much to ask for? Clearly it is with my mentality.
Then we come to the present, and where I am now. I live at home with my mum, I work in Sainsbury's all weekend every weekend, I can't drive (legally on my own - learning is good enough!) and I'm in college/placement every weekday. When do I have any 'me time'
just to wind down and think? Try never, or when I have holiday off work and college. I'll be honest, I don't want to work in Sainsbury's forever. As good as it is for now (good pay, met some amazing people etc), it's hardly my lifetime ambition.. As for college, need I say more. I go to college three days a week and placement the other two days, doesn't sound to bad and, in all honesty, it really isn't compared to some courses. But what do I do when it's all over?
I've learnt in the past few months that having positive people in my life can create a positive mind and mentality. I absolutely adore the girls on my course, they are amazing. I can't imagine doing the course without them. Same with some of my other friends, like my best friend. She has got my through so much this year (we won't go into detail) and, despite me being the biggest pain in the backside going, has stuck by me through thick and thin. This applies with a couple of other people. I've restored friendships which were crushed and found who is worth keeping in my life. We all think we'll stay close with our friends in schools, but that is far from true. Out of all of my sixth form friends, I speak to a handful now. Just shows how little you can mean to someone really, doesn't it.. Especially when they simply do not make an effort with you at all. My worst fear is being alone and, with things like that, I literally feel beyond alone.. Having no one to turn to about certain things is the worst feeling ever.
So, now I've written my little rant, I've realised I have more motivation to write this than my college assignments - how bad is that?! But, in all seriousness, I find myself in a bit of a mess. My head is a mess, my heart is in a state that can't be described.. I am clueless. No one could ever imagine half the things that go on in my head, and I couldn't blame them. Ever. Basically, to sum it all up, I have the 'Peter Pan' mentality - I don't want to grow up..
Help me.
Hey guys! For today's society dictates post, I'm going to be talking about how young people must remain in some form of education until they're 18. Saying that, it doesn't mean they have to suffer in classrooms for another 2 years after their academic school years. This could be anything! From Level 1-3 diplomas and more hands on learning, youngsters are having to find something to fill an extra two years which may encourage their futures. But what if you don't know what to do? How many will take what they consider to be the 'doss' and easier options...
For example, take the childcare courses at college. These courses are often slated for being easy and, often, people will go on this course as a last resort as they don't have any other option despite the fact the might not even want a career in childcare. What is the point? People see this course as an easy way out as it fills up the two years easily and gets them a good career at the end of it. Admittedly, the lower level courses are a lot easier than the higher level courses (the level 1 childcare course is a lot simpler than the level 3 course) but why waste your time if you're not interested?
Personally, I had no definite idea of what I wanted to do as a career at 16. I had a vague idea but I was never 100%. Schools and colleges expect you to know what you want to do straight away, but not many people do. Sure, they can find courses that they enjoy or that they might need for uni, but what if they discover what they want to do and it's too late?
A lot of people go onto the easier courses, such as childcare or hair and beauty, as it will get them a career a lot easier than some courses. What if they're not right for that work base though? Some people who take child care are being recognised for not being as 'academically challenged' as those on courses such as Biology or Psychology. Admittedly, there has been some evidence to support these claims as some settings have been noted for their worker's lack in spelling on display boards or being unable to help the children they work with.
In any career, you need to be suitable for the job. If you don't like children or don't like being in a child-based environment, why take the course? At the end of the day, you are in that setting to help scaffold a child and their learning. Imagine what impact you have on them if you are unable to do the simplest of things, like spell simple words? That can easily affect them if they don't have the right role models. It's the same with any course. If you don't like cars, why do a motoring course? If you don't like working with elderly people, why do health and social care?
To sum it up, I think it's great that there are so many courses for these youngsters to do at different levels to suit their own ability. But why label some courses are being 'doss' and easy when you could impact someone else's future? You need to think how your actions could impacts someone else...
For more on this story, check out the BBC News article here.
