2012 - A year in review - Me

We are approaching the end of another year.  What are the first words you all think about 2012? 

Mine are quite simple.  I would describe my 2012 as life-changing, emotional and character-building. 

I have had to adapt to a year full of change.  I don’t think I’ve said as many goodbyes as I have had this year.  Some were for the best, others as it was natural progression and some it was really sad.

There have been testing times but I ended the year with a degree and more life experience.  So here is how 2012 turned out for me in my opinion. 

A difficult start

2012 began difficult for me.  I had been ill over Christmas and started January on antibiotics for the second time in three years.

I don't think Valentino Rossi needs to be worried about my motorcycling skills!

I visited the Autosport International Show in January for the annual motorsport exhibition, and I must say it was one of the best years for the show.  I will be back in 2013 to experience the atmosphere and the buzz at the LG Arena in Birmingham for the 10^th consecutive year.

As winter turned towards spring, the end was getting ever closer in regards to my time at the University of Northampton.

I had some mixed results at the start of third year, and getting the degree classification on my journalism course I wanted was touch and go.

Then I worked harder than ever before.  I spent day after day in the edit suites filming, editing and interviewing people for my TV project.

This project challenged me as did my final dissertation and at times, I let the pressure get to me.

In February, I even considered whether I was chasing the right path in my future career.  A lecture talk from former NME editor Neil Spencer left me with plenty to think about.

He gave a real negative persona to the media industry and I wasn’t sure if I was prepared for long slog in the world of journalism. 

Eventually, I decided to stick with journalism and it proved to be the right decision.

Some satisfying results and goodbye to Clarks

As I was approaching the end of my life in education, another chapter was closing and that was in my part-time retail work at Clarks Shoes.

I was working at the Northampton branch, since making a permanent move to the area in September 2010.

However, I couldn’t stay there after the end of June because I was leaving Northampton after my course, so I was hoping to get a transfer back to Milton Keynes.

Unfortunately they didn’t have the hours I required and in May, I had to hand in my notice and get prepared to leave.

The job was never the most exciting but it kept the money ticking over, especially at Uni and I met some amazing people in six and a half years, in two completely different environments.

My last shift was on 9 June 2012.  It was a sad goodbye but I was excited to finally leave the retail market. 

As my time with Clarks reached its conclusion – my results at University improved and I started finding my best form in March, which was the UK summer this year!

I completed my major individual project, a 10 minute TV documentary into modern technology and how it has changed our everyday lives.

You can see the video below:

I also took part in the Current Affairs Show, a 30 minute radio programme which was recorded by me and two of my fellow coursemates, Lauren Bowen and Miles Aitkenhead.

Surprisingly, I found this module to be quite exciting to do.  I did my own telephone interview without any hassle and when we put the show together in April, we were excited and the results came back very well too.

I can honestly say that it was the best group I ever worked with.  The three of us had one goal and that was to get it done and get it done with some quality and style.  The Current Affairs show can be listened to here.

It also opened a new door into a radio career…more on that later.

The end of University and a brilliant final couple of nights

My dissertation was an interesting challenge to complete

Wednesday, 16 May 2012 and it was all over.  The final project was handed in just before lunchtime – I had officially finished as a journalism student at the University of Northampton.

I didn’t want to leave to be honest; I knew it was great to finish but sad to finish at the same time.

I had done all I could to get the results I desired and now, I just had to wait and hope.

In the meantime, it was time to party and that night, the majority of the journalism group went out into town to the NB’s Sports Bar and the Fever nightclub.

While Fever was a real letdown, I had so much fun in NB's.  Apart from one night out in early February at the preferred nightclub destination of Balestra in Northampton – I had focused on my degree and now, it was time to enjoy myself.

Farida and me in NB's on the final journalism party night. As a course, we did it!

I had such a laugh that night.  There were plenty of drinks, some crazy dancing (apparently I’m quite the dancer….) and I did a few things that were slightly out of character but the night was memorable.

We hadn’t gone out as a massive group since my own birthday the previous October and it was great to socialise with my coursemates. 

A lot of us had many differences with our personalities, and I’m not the easiest person to get on with at times, or the most interesting individual to meet but we knew how to party.

We did it and we finished in the best fashion possible!

Lights out! The Silverstone Grad Ball lived upto expectations

10 days after the NB’s madness, it was destination Silverstone for the 2012 Grad Ball.  What a lovely night that was too.  I even dressed up smarted and booted for the event and I’m not the smartest person ever when it comes to these occasions.

Professor Green rocked the stage after Rizzle Kicks pulled out, one of them was ‘ill.’  It was great to be at the home of the British Grand Prix and to be in the lovely Wing pits complex for the night.

It was another special night and well worth the price for going.

Friendships and graduation

What I have learnt this year more than anything, is about the value of friendship and where the line needs to be drawn.

I had to deal with people talking about me online (not directly mentioned but aimed around me) in both April and June.

That was not nice and led to me taking disappearing acts from Twitter and Facebook.  I changed my Twitter username from @HappyDude88 to @Siwri88 in February for professional reasons and I’m still trying to find the right balance with social media.

I think I’ve found it with both Twitter and LinkedIn (joined in January).  My use of Facebook has still caused me more trouble than what it is worth - it is now the poor cousin relation to both Twitter and LinkedIn.

BBM also caused me problems in the summer.  It might be free but sometimes, you can come across as an entirely different individual.  I will look forward to ditching the BlackBerry in September 2013.

Then there were the goodbyes to some of my closest pals from University, pretty much for the last time.  I have some regrets and at times, my honesty cost me more than what was expected.

With Tamika on graduation day: One of the sweetest and kindest individuals I've ever met

Luckily I didn’t need the tissues at any stage, but it still feel strange to not see some that were around me almost day in, day out for the last three years.

After Uni, I’ve distanced from some for the right reasons, while some just drifted away.  However, I would say I stay in touch closely with at least four coursemates from Uni and occasionally speak to around 10 others.

So this leads me into the big graduation day in July.  The event was held at the Derngate Theatre in Northampton. 

The certificate confirming my degree.  No-one can take this away!

I was so nervous in the build-up, hoping I didn’t look like a clown in the gown, or make sure my name was pronounced correctly. 

Luckily on the day, it all went to plan.  Although some of my behaviour could have been better on the day, it was a nice feeling to have my final degree classification of a 2:1 down on a certificate.  I worked massively hard for that!

So it was goodbye to my coursemates, the lecturers and to Northampton, both the University and my accommodation.  It was time for the next chapter.

A new chapter and moving on

I do miss my sole independence although I have settled back into everyday life with my beloved family in Milton Keynes.

I made a final visit back to Northampton in October, just before my 24^th birthday to collect all of my work. 

It felt like I finally found closure, as I did miss not being a student anymore.  I still do but that’s life – you have to move on.

Amidst all the celebrations of summer events like the Diamond Jubilee and Euro 2012, there was also the small matter of the London Olympics.

It inspired a generation and it inspired me too.  What a spectacular 17 days of competition and there were so many highlights.

The golden postboxes in Milton Keynes.  Nice one Greg!

I was delighted when local lad from Bletchley Greg Rutherford won the Men’s Long Jump, as that meant we had two golden post-boxes painted by Royal Mail in his honour of winning gold.

The women’s football excited me, as did Andy Murray’s gold medal in the tennis at Wimbledon, the feats of Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah and of course, Usain Bolt’s three gold medals in the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay.

Although I didn’t have the privilege of being at the Olympic Stadium, either as a spectator or working in media, I did go to BT London Live twice, once at Hyde Park and once at Victoria Park in August. 

Great day experiencing Olympic atmosphere

Both were lovely sunny days and were great occasions to sample and experience the atmosphere. 

And so a new chapter has begun.  Unfortunately, a paid freelancing contract collapsed recently with Total Football Magazine, meaning I had to leave after six months of hard graft, but I have begun a career in radio, hosting the F1 Zone on Bee Vocal which will be back in February and I am dedicated to new and future challenges.

2012 has thrown up plenty of challenges.  I had to say plenty of goodbyes and make some difficult decisions.  The year could have gone a bit smoother and it has been tough but would I have swapped any of it – not a lot of it anyway.

I do hope 2013 is a little bit less dramatic and a bit quieter though!

Merry Christmas everyone and have a Happy New Year!

By Simon Wright

Categories: 2012, Autosport International Show, Birmingham, Christmas, Clarks, Emotion, Journalism, Nightclub, Professor Green, Silverstone, Student, The Current Affairs Show, TV, Twitter, University of Northampton

Eight steps to enjoy University

For the first time since 1994, I am not in any kind of full-time education and that is an odd feeling to have.  Honestly, it is something I haven't quite got my head around yet.

A lot of people have just started University and trust me, freshers is the best experience when starting out.  So, from my own experience of three years which saw me finish with a 2:1 degree, here are eight steps to enjoy your first year at University.

This includes feeling happy, being successful and becoming well-liked.  These steps worked for me and it might not work for everyone but some could be useful to take on-board.

1. Never forget your roots

Going away from home for the first time on your own can be a daunting experience.  However, it is essential to never forget your roots.

Always keep in touch with your family, whatever form you feel comfortable.  Taking a photo from home of the family will help in any battle against feeling slightly homesick.

2. 'Ring of Fire'

In my view, this is the best drinking game ever!  You have to do some daft things, like drink the dreaded dirty pint! (I somehow managed to avoid this!)

Build up relationships with everyone you live with, get contact details, go out on the town and enjoy yourself. During 'Freshers Fortnight,' make sure to play this game.

3. Budgeting

Keep a budget, it does help especially with new fees to deal with.

Now this is vital, even if you don't like doing it.  Work out a rough weekly/monthly budget and try not to go over it.  

That's easier said than done for sure and most will get a student account with a nice, chunky overdraft.

However, you don't want to get into a bloody mess and the last thing you should be doing is asking friends for money.  Resist temptation if possible, don't go and spend £100 on designer shoes you don't have if you can't afford it.

Most students will leave University with debt, so don't add to it...

4. Decorate your room at halls

Wherever you stay in first year, it can't be much worse than sleeping and staring at blank, plain walls which can look as dull as dishwater.

So buy some posters, make a mural like I did of your family and friends and turn your place into your own personal space.

Struggles will occur, so when they do, look around the room and make it inspire you.

5. Get into a routine

Whenever timetables get published, I would try and get into some kind of routine plan throughout.  It is better being organised than disorganised at University.

Don't get too distracted by online gaming, Facebook etc.  Set time aside for these luxuries of course but it’s always handy to have a rough idea of getting work done before the last minute.  It really helps being organised.

6. Useful electrical equipment

To get you through first year, you will need to have some useful electrical equipment at your disposal.

Have a decent laptop is essential for any course you study.

First, all students must have a decent laptop to get through first year.

I survived with Windows Vista but Windows 7 is probably the best form of laptop to get.  Also, keep an eye out for Microsoft Office deals which are fully licensed and offer discounts.

I got the full Microsoft Office package in first year for £35, instead of the usual £200 - an 85 per cent student discount deal.

There are torrents of course, but this is a safer option than picking up a virus which could destroy the laptop.

Have plenty of DVD's to watch, get a decent alarm clock and some form of music player.  Listening to music often kept me motivated throughout first year.

7. The good morning wake-up boost

Trust me, 9am lecturers are the worst thing to have and I had that for the first term at Uni on a Monday morning.  The worst possible start!

Early mornings can make you sleepy, see a lack of concentration and dozing off in lectures is seriously not a good idea.

For me, having a coffee in the morning really helped, as it gave me that boost to be far more awake in the mornings.

I never liked coffee until I started Uni but it became a necessity to have.  It is a nice caffeine boost to have first thing in the morning and it usually worked.  

However, having a Red Bull energy drink at 9.30am in the morning is not a good idea.  I know a couple of people who tried this and it didn't give the best results.

8. Enjoy it!

You are going to have some tough days and stressful experiences because everyone does.

Remember though, this is what you want to do for the next three years, so persistence is the key to be ultimately successful.  

Giving it up after six weeks is useless and makes you look like a quitter.  Once you are committed, you should remain committed.

Have a social life of course and get the right balance between working and meeting assignment deadlines, in regards to some wild and much-needed partying.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so embrace and enjoy the University experience.

I wish everyone the best of luck across the country to all first year freshers who are just starting out with the University experience.

Categories: 1994, Caffeine, Coffee, Debt, DVD, Education, Experience, Freshers, Microsoft Office, Monday, Red Bull, Social Life, Student, University, Virus, Windows