Your degree means nothing if it means nothing to you

This week has been one of the best weeks of the term, simply because I have dedicated so much time to just enjoying my work and looking after myself.

This week at Warwick is Mental Health Awareness Week. Click on this link to get some more information about how different societies have been helping out: https://www.warwicksu.com/campaigning/campaigns/liberation/mentalhealthawarenessweek/

These final weeks of term are probably the most important weeks of my degree. I have two final essays to submit and my dissertation. Week 10 is going to be a struggle, but a good struggle because I have worked so hard to get here. It is so easy just to sit and become overwhelmed with the workload, I honestly just fall asleep when I am stressed because I hate dealing with it. To be honest, you are your own self and you know how your body works, do whatever is best for you to work out how you are going to overcome the obstacles. Do not be afraid in asking for help if you need it if you want to go and do something with your friends that you feel like you are bothering them be honest and tell them exactly how you are feeling because then they are willing to spend quality time with you. There is a difference between being somewhere and being present in that very moment. Making every moment count, whether it is meeting up with someone, having coffee, doing your work or being at home, make it great. Don’t just be there scrolling on your phone, taking endless pictures of you pretending to make memories when really you’re just in a room. Investing time in yourself is the best investment. Take the time to engage with those around you and develop meaningful relationships.

This can also reflect on your work when you are working do not just think that you have to read 10 articles, get 20 quotes throw them in and boom you have an essay. It does not work like that. I have only realised this now after my reading week after spending so much time changing my writing style. So many students are complaining about how you cannot be original in humanities subjects, and that your degree is simply using other scholars ideas and then pushing them together to make an essay. To an extent that is just half of what is expected, you get higher marks for originality, yes look at your scholars but then sit there and read what they are actually saying, do you agree with them? if not, why? If you do, why? and how does this help answer the question, and what is your argument when thinking about the question. It is a skill to be able to be an independent thinker when so many scholars are giving you ideas, but it is what you do with those ideas and what voice you project is what the tutors are interested in. When you become more involved, your writing becomes passionate and interesting and your tutor will enjoy it (I know classics tutors do!).

So enjoy your subject, spend time working with it, you’re paying for this experience!