Advice For Starting College | Back To School

Recently it was suggested by one of my lovely readers that I should do an advice post on college. Seeing as most people are going back this week or next I thought I'd get this up to prepare anyone or give them peace of mind about their college experience.

There are lots of options when you leave school and lots of paths you can take, this could be sixth form, college, an apprenticeship or working full-time. As I've already mentioned here I will be focusing on college as that's where I went, however this could also cover sixth form too.

I remember a few years ago when I was coming to the end of high school wondering what the next step in my life would be. At the time I didn't want to go to college or uni so it was either work full-time or find an apprenticeship, but in my head finding a full-time job wasn't really an option for me. I spent ages looking for an apprenticeship during my last year of high school- I knew I wanted to work with children but finding an apprenticeship in my area was proven almost impossible. Instead I applied to college to do a course in Childcare and Education where as all my friends and most people in my year were doing A Levels at sixth form or college.

For some reason I was under the impression that doing a vocational course was a cop out as not many people in my year were doing them, it made me feel like I wasn't intelligent enough for A Levels or university. I have no idea why I felt like that but I was most definitely wrong. My course was equivalent to 3 or maybe even 4 A Levels, the level and amount of work was equivalent- not to scare you off. 

There are so many  benefits when doing a course, especially if its something you'd like to continue in the future. For example you're treated like an adult so you gain so much more independence which could prepare you for uni if you wanted to go. Usually the week is split by doing work placements which enables you to gather a real feel of what it's like to work when you qualify and you'll gain weeks and weeks worth of experience which employers will like!

Of course, college isn't for everyone but whatever you choose is best for you will still be beneficial. Do not choose something you don't enjoy just to be with your friends, it's likely that the majority of the time you'll have to work independently and you won't do as well if it's a subject you don't like. Also do not do something to please somebody else, if your parents/teachers want you to do A Levels or certain subjects but you're not keen- please yourself, not them!

If you've chosen to go to college to complete a course it is likely that you won't know anybody in your class. I know how daunting this feels as I was in the same boat but this is a great opportunity to make more friends aside from your school friends. My first day started with ice breaker sessions, you know the typical discuss yourself with a partner then feedback to the group about the other person. Just a warning, this is probably not a good time to spill about the celebrities you fan girl over as you might, just might sound a little weird. (Yes 16 year old self, I'm sure you'll marry Olly Murs one day...not!) 

Talk to people, just say hi! Do not do what I did on the first day and isolate yourself from others by sitting alone and texting your mother and friends about how much you hate college, already.

I must admit, for a week or two I dreaded going to college to the point where I would tear up whilst getting ready. I knew I had to stick it out a little longer to give myself chance to actually start to enjoy it so I did. However, if you really don't like the course or subjects you're doing then I know most colleges have a month or so period where you can change that(providing there are spaces in the other classes). Personally, I didn't like college not the course I was doing so I stuck it out and two years later I've came out a qualified Childcare Practitioner. 

I thought I'd share some next steps once qualified. You could either find full-time work relating to your course, work for agencies (supply work), go onto the next level of your course at college or going to uni. 

So like I said earlier, there are so many options and paths you could take to get to where you want to be so don't stress too much and enjoy being in education while you can!

♥   ♥   ♥

Thoughts and Opinions | Back to School

Hello!

As much as I love Autumn, I think the very beginning is the worst time of the year, back to school.

It's that time of year again, that i'm sure the majority of students dread. Just like I am! With September just around the corner I thought i'd get up a couple of 'Back to School' related posts, here's the first on my thoughts on going back to college.

Here in the UK, well mostly England and Wales tend to go back during the first week of September- I go back on a Friday, what!? This will be for induction day. I'm slightly confused as to why being in my second year of college on the same course I have to have an induction, but i'm sure they've got their reasons. 

If you're starting college this year and are unsure what to expect from your induction day, i'm sure most colleges or sixth forms tend to do similar things including, meeting your tutor or lecturers for the subject or course you have chosen, meeting your course members which usually contains a 'get to know you' session. If this sounds very daunting(like it did to me) then believe me it will be absolutely fine, the majority of your class members will be in the same situation, not really knowing anybody and thinking what the blinkers can I say about myself!? Just be yourself, state your interests or something that you've done that has stood out in your life, believe you me, you can't do any worse than I did. I admitted to my class meeting Olly Murs twice and sounded like the ultimate stalker.. damn it! Although it didn't seem to affect people interacting with me, so don't worry! 

Anyway, onto the rest of what induction days tend to consist of, receiving your time table, going through the basics of the course including what to expect and what will be expected from you(e.g. the stationary and time you'll have to provide for yourself) and finally if you're new to the place of learning, a tour- the excitement of finding out where the fire exits and toilets are! I was thrilled by this, not..

There's one thing I should definitely point out to you, don't feel disheartened if you're first day doesn't go great or it's not what you expected- stick it out and things will get better through out the following weeks when you're more familiar with the course, the area and your class mates. This comes from experience as after the first day I was adamant I was not going back and in fact nearly left on the break, though I stuck it out as I knew it could only get better and I didn't want to disappoint myself or my parents. And that I was right, it did get better!

As I've mentioned, i'll be entering my second and may even be last year of college or education!? This is definitely more daunting than starting college for me as it means i'll have to really think seriously about what I want to do next. I am constantly questioning myself, do I really want to work with children? Should I try something different? Should I go to Uni and do I actually want to go to Uni? What about a gap year? Yet none of these have answers, just possibilities..
I'm constantly battling with 'going to Uni to improve my opportunities in the area of work I think I want to go into', 'Am I cut out for Uni, Intellectually, Emotionally and Physically(probably not)', 'Being stuck in a 9-5 or worse job for whats considered poor pay?' I really do not know. 

I am not going to turn this post into a rant, i'm just trying to get across that you should always give something a try, never give up, enjoy what you're doing and most importantly make sensible decisions, whether they're right or wrong just remember that they felt right at the time!

I'm sorry if this post got cut a little short, I was just unsure what to say without turning this into a rant or with no real direction of where I was going with this.

Anyway, enjoy(well as much as you can) your first day back at school, college, uni whatever! And Good Luck to those who are starting somewhere new in their education!

That's all for now,

Amy X

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