Reflecting on my first term of third year
This term has been a bit of a whirlwind. It seems to have gone by so quickly, but when I think back to moving into my new house at the start of term, it feels like forever ago. I think that coming back home for Christmas has been the first time I’ve really appreciated how much I’ve changed (hopefully for the better!) since coming to Warwick. I found second year really hard, which meant coming back to Warwick seemed really daunting, especially since third year chemistry is notoriously intense! However, reflecting on how I’ve dealt with stressful situations this term has actually made me really proud of myself.
Third year so far has been hectic to say the least. I’ve had so, so many lectures in preparation for my exams before Easter, but I’ve just about managed to keep on top of everything. I also took a module in communicating science, which has been really interesting, but meant that I had loads of coursework to do alongside my lectures. This meant that term got pretty busy! Because there’s been so much content, and my focus has been on my assignments rather than lecture notes, I’m definitely going to have to work hard over the holidays to make my life easier next term. However, I’m also working hard to manage my stress and not let my degree overwhelm me. Plus, getting communicating science done with means that I’ll have one less exam next term! It was my 21 Birthday during Week 10, and realising that because I’d kept on top of my assignments I could enjoy myself without feeling guilty was a great feeling.
A huge highlight of this term has been making the most of societies that I’m part of. I teach a beginner’s tap class, and I’ve definitely grown in confidence over the term when it comes to choreographing/teaching/performing. Looking back at my first lesson, I was so terrified I nearly forgot the steps to the dance I’d choreographed – much to the disappointment of my flatmates, who I’d kept awake with my practising the night before. But just weeks later I co-taught the beginner’s dance for the Children in Need Tapathon, where dancers all over the country performed at the same time to raise money for charity. This was such a fun experience, and something I would have never thought I’d have the guts to do this time last year, where I was the one learning the dance!
I’ve also loved being part of the Boar this term – it’s without a doubt one of my favourite things about being at Warwick. Not only is the exec incredibly hard-working and talented, but some of them have become my closest friends at university. Not to mention how proud I am of the Science and Tech section. I’ve hired two deputies this term who are doing such a great job, and I think that the section is going from strength to strength. I’m just hoping we can make next term even better! I’ve said it so many times before, but getting involved in societies will be something you won’t regret.
I also feel that I’ve grown a lot as a person. Even though it sounds super cliché, by looking back at this term I can see how much I’ve learned about myself. I wouldn’t have been able to deal with a lot of the stress of third year if I was in the same state as I was this time last term! I’m proud of myself for knowing when I need to take a step back, say no to people, and put myself first. Prioritising myself over insignificant things that would have upset me even weeks ago, has meant that this term has been the best term I’ve had at Warwick so far. And even though exams will be looming soon, I’m hoping that through my final two terms as an undergrad, my time at Warwick will keep getting better.
