In case I don’t see you, good afternoon, good evening, and goodbye

So, here we are, my last blog post! I am officially a graduate. It feels weird to say that. In September, I will be starting Teacher Training and I am so, so excited! However, I felt that it’s only right that my last blog post is a sort of, reflection on my time at Warwick. In case those of you reading these blog posts, weren’t aware, I graduated from a degree in Liberal Arts, and suffice to say, it was the best 3 years of my life. I don’t have enough words to describe how much I loved my department and I am so going to miss them, but I will absolutely be back to visit! My cohort only had about 14 people, there’s not that many of us, so it was honestly such an incredible graduation because all of us were so excited for each other (Other than us being unfortunate enough to graduate on the HOTTEST DAY OF THE YEAR).

There are a few things I learned from University though, so I thought I’d tell you!

1. It can sometimes be so easy to let work take over your life, especially when you’re in your final year. It’s so important to make sure you have a balance, it’s your final year! As much as you want to achieve a certain grade, you can’t let that take over your life. It’s okay to say yes sometimes. Don’t forget, it’s your last year, make the most of it. If you’re like me, your friends are scattered all over the UK, so as much as you say you will see them regularly, realistically, it’ll be hard, especially if you’re working.
2. Look for your graduation dress or suit or whatever you want to wear, early. I found a dress I wanted, but I ordered it the week before and it, unfortunately, did not arrive in time, so I had to order a backup dress in an emergency! Don’t get me wrong, I really liked my backup dress, but it wasn’t the one I had ordered. If you’re buying a suit and it needs altering, that takes time!
3. Trust the process. It can be terrifying if you don’t know what to expect next, but my best advice is to expect the unexpected. Everything will happen when it’s meant to, even if it doesn’t seem like it! You may not immediately get into the Masters you want, but you can always apply again. Similarly, you may not immediately get a grad job and that’s okay too! I know so many people who went with a job that wasn’t what they wanted to do for a few months and then ended up in a job they love. Also, you may not end up in a job that’s in your degree. You may have done a science degree and ended up in a finance job. Those three years you worked hard, but you may end up realising you don’t love it and that’s okay!
4. One of the hardest things to understand is that you may not be friends with everyone you met at Uni forever, but you also may have made friend for life. Sometimes you have to leave things behind, but remember that they were part of your journey.
5. Finally, have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Don’t let insecurities stop you from going for what you want to! Graduating is scary for everyone, but you’ve worked hard, made it through the highs and lows and now you’re a graduate! Be proud of what you’ve achieved.

You’ve worked so hard throughout Uni, always be proud of what you’ve achieved. When you finally get to walk across that stage, it is the best feeling ever! Despite it being 39 degrees, I could not stop smiling and I am so proud of myself and my friends who also graduated. I watched their graduations and cheered them on!! Make sure you do the same for all your friends, you’ve been through this journey together and you made it!

That’s goodbye from me, and goodbye to Warwick. Am I sad to be leaving? Yes, but I am also so excited to see what the future holds! Good Luck to you, for whatever year you’re in. As the title of this blog says;

“In case I don’t see you, good afternoon, good evening and goodbye”