The Mid-Way Checkpoint

Another reading week has rolled around, and I’m once again in a reflective mood…surprise surprise. It feels very strange to say that I only have 4 more weeks of classes and then I’ve officially finished in terms of the teaching I’ve received at Leicester. Of course, I’ve still got another month to work on my deadlines, including my dissertation (eek), and fun and celebrations to be had after that, but I feel like there’s something so final about knowing I’ll no longing be attending lectures and seminars, things which have been part of my life for nearly three years.

So, where am I at? Well, for me personally I have three deadlines to complete; each a rather lengthy piece of work in their own respects, whether that be the actual written word count or the amount of research they’ll require. Equally, as comes with many arts and humanities subjects I also have week to week readings to do, so the next two months are going to be tough. The first chunk of this semester has been fairly mixed personally however overall it went well, in terms of work and was I think I was in a better place mentally than last term.

It’s often not discussed but university can be a lonely place, whether you’re surrounded by people or not; sometimes your focus on work and stress takes over and you suddenly feel very alone. I’ve really tried to combat this in semester 2, and even if it’s just meeting a friend in the library and sitting quietly working it’s far less isolating. I never actually understood in my first two years why final years spent so much time in the library, and seemingly I’ve turned into the person I initially didn’t understand. The library has really helped me gain an even stricter routine this semester and has helped my focus.

Finally I’d like to point out that although I’m stressed, and yes I have a cry now and again, third year is still enjoyable, and I’m really enjoying my modules. Women in Cinema in particular hits the mark for me, especially now we’re moving onto a case study of Nancy Meyers (director of The Parent Trap, The Holiday etc.); I think as tough as these next few weeks are going to be I don’t think I’ll ever truly lose interest in my subject.

To all the final years out there; we can do this, and it’s going to feel great when we do.

Take Care Everyone, I’ll Talk to You All Soon!