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!

♥   ♥   ♥

July Goals Update | Life

Seeing as there are only two days left of July, I thought i'd update you on my July Goals(here) as promised. I'm also planning on doing a favourites this month so keep your eyes peeled for that on Sunday. Lets see what I've managed to complete this July then...

1. Finish college and my work placement. 

Check! College and placement done and dusted, I completed my diploma in Childcare and Education and came out with an A which i'm super pleased about! I also finished my last days experience in a local primary school and although I was sad to be leaving. I was so excited to start my summer holidays. I also received some lovely gifts from the children and staff, including a gorgeous personalised photo box and beautiful flowers-  which may I add are surprisingly still alive, 2 weeks later! You can see these on my Instagram (@xtracesofmythoughts)

2. Get a job interview. 

I finally got a job interview after handing in many applications to fill the role as a Teaching Assistant in a primary school. The interview didn't go too bad, besides not getting it- I received some good feedback! I am also in the process of enrolling with teaching agencies so hopefully I can get on doing supply work in September!

3. Complete a Paediatric First Aid Course. 

I am now qualified in Paediatric First Aid, woo! Not only will this help me in search for a job but this is also a skill I think everyone should have some knowledge of. I was surprised how little I knew but now I know what to do if someone started choking or was unconscious and not breathing- hopefully those situations never arise though!

4. Spend more time outside.

The weather hasn't been too amazing the past couple of weeks but at the beginning of July we were experiencing a mini heatwave. When the weathers been ok I've tried to sit in the garden and get some much needed vitamin D but I've also tried walking places more to save money and keep fit.

5. Spend more time with family.

I've been to a couple more family gatherings, it's been so nice to catch up with family I haven't spoken/seen properly in years and I hope to visit more often throughout the month of August.

6. Exercise more.

I was going to half cross this out but I thought i'd better not cheat. I was planning on going running a couple of times or more a week, that hasn't happened as my friends been busy and has been fitting her fitness in before/after work at the gym. I however, well I've been walking a lot more so that sort of counts right?

7. Choose healthier options.

For the majority of the month I've been trying to prepare healthier meals, sweet potatoes have become my best friend as I cannot stay away from carbs and they're a little healthier than your regular white potato. I've also been trying to encouragement salad/veg to every meal(except breakfast) and I've been making smoothies/juices with our new blender. I'm also trying to cut out the snacks after 8pm, which i'm doing quite well at!

8. Give my room a little makeover.

I've not had chance to do this unfortunately. I did however pull everything out, hoover, polish and basically spring clean my room. I have a net above my bed which i'd like to take down but i'm stuck on what to put there instead as i'll just have plain white walls which will look a little odd.

9. Give myself a little makeover.

Another, I've unfortunately not been able to achieve. I wanted to do something with my hair like dye it or get a new style but i'm too scared to dye my hair again as it takes for ages to grow out and I really don't know what to do with my hair. 

10. Blog more.

My blogging schedule before July was posting once a week on Sundays. However, I wanted to up my game and blog more often as I enjoy it so I've been posting on Wednesdays and Sundays. As I've been getting more ideas recently, I may post once or twice more throughout the week in August. Very exciting!

Overall, July hasn't been that bad. I do not have to wake up before 7:30 for the time being and I've been a lot happier! I'm very much looking forward to August as i'm hoping to see more of my family, there are a couple of birthdays and I may be going away for a few days to South Devon so watch this space as i'm sure there will be travel related posts to come if I decide to go.

What are your plans/goals for August?

Let me know!

♥   ♥   ♥

What to Expect | A Little Update

Hello!

Today I thought i'd give a little update on what to expect in terms of my blog the following couple of weeks.

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Last Wednesday I officially started college again for my second and final year. Already i'm feeling under a lot of pressure and in fact slightly overwhelmed with the amount of work I have to be completed  much earlier than i'd like. Of course I love blogging and have really enjoyed getting up more than one post every week over the summer but until I feel like i'm on top of the work I've got to do, blogging will have to take the back seat in my life.

I'll still be blogging as much as I can as it is a hobby, something I enjoy to do in my spare time but that will be when spare time is available. I aim to post at least once a week and may include a second post on Sundays telling a little of what I've got up to that week, if at all interesting! These have been called 'The Sunday Edit'  in the past so let me know if you'd like to see more.

As well as college work, i'll also be working my part-time job which I am in fact looking into a new one(of more hours, more convenient hours and something I will enjoy more), seriously thinking about what i'd like to do next year in terms of study, working or taking a gap year and similarly last but not least attending a few university open days, one of which is Norland College in Bath.

What are you doing this September, or what have you done?

Also lastly, what would you like to see here on my blog?

Thanks for reading and understanding,

Amy X

What I've Accomplished this Summer | Summer Bucket List

Hello!
As I said in my previous 'Summer Bucket List' here, that I would do an updated post on what I've accomplished this Summer so here it is!

1. To spend as much time outside and make the most of warmer weather and just being outdoors in general.   Done! I've definitely spent more time outdoors in the sun, especially when I went away with my family- most of the day we were outdoors and enjoying the weather!

2. Catch up with old school friends, of course! I really have not seen them enough through the academic year so I will definitely get my planning head on and get organising! Hopefully some day trips including London or Bristol-shopping, visiting the beach(I stress visiting, not actually going onto the beach as I hate sand!) and just spending more time together!  Another one to check off my list! I haven't spent as much time as i'd like with them over the summer, mainly due to holidays and working but we've been out together a few times and i'm sure the next time will be not too far away!

3. Continue working hard and stop procrastinating! I've heard that Pisces are hard workers but even harder procrastinators and I truly live up to that trait! I have work to do over the summer for the biggest assignment of my course, so I need to get that done and out of the way but I've kept putting it off!  I completed the work I had to do over summer. I also got my exam result back, I finished my first college year with an overall A, yay!

Here.

4. To start Pen-palling! I've wanted to do this for a while now and bringing my parents around to the idea is proving harder than I expected! 
-I've still not done this but I completely respect my parents views, in the mean time I've been enjoying making friends and generally conversing with others on social media!

Dawlish Warren- please note this is not my photo, you can find it here(credit to the photographer Gary Reggae)

5. Mentioning my parents there, I'd also like to spend more time with my family! Especially appreciating my sisters as the eldest is moving out this summer, and I don't see much of my other sister as she's either at her boyfriends house or will be working! I'm also warming to the idea of visiting England and Plymouth area in particular to spend a week or two away with family and in general investigate the area as this is somewhere I'd like to go to Uni! I've definitely spent a lot of time with my family over the summer, especially my sisters who have now both moved out! We generally catch up via whatsapp and go shopping together, my favourite!
I've also been to South England with my family, it was so nice to get away from Wales and I really enjoyed spending each day with them. I also visited Plymouth the area that I wanted to go to Uni, i'm not too keen on it but neither am I to the whole idea of uni now!

6. Talking about Uni, aye smooth transitions! I'd like to attend at least 1 Uni open day, as other colleges seem to have done so much more to do with Uni and my college have done nothing! 
-I could sort of check this off but i'm not going to as technically I haven't done that this summer. Although I have booked to go to one open day at the end of this month in Bath at Norlands College(a nanny college). I'd love to go there but realistically, it won't be affordable as it is private! I'm not too sure whether i'm going to go to uni anymore, I don't know what i'd like to do after I've finished my course.

7. I'd like to do something to my hair, it's been the same boring growing out colour for about 2 years. It's also changed to a mix of light brown, coppers and blondes! I'm not enjoying it and would like to go a lighter ashy blonde colour!
-Oops this is another thing I haven't completed, to be quite honest I totally forgot about it. I still have an unopened Ombre kit, who knows I may do that soon!

Here.

8. To always consider healthier options. Now i'm not exactly over the moon with my weight, i'd like to loose a little and just get fitter and healthier in general. Summer is fab for that as I love salads in the warmer weather!  I haven't lost weight, although I've done a lot of salad eating this summer and a lot of walking! I can't exactly check this off my list because I've had a few snacks that are considered bad. Although the only reason i'm crossing this off as I've decided to get myself into gear and start to walk to college again when it's not raining too much!

9. To change something in my life, whether this be just saying 'Yes' to more, getting a new job, or even changing my room around to start-a-fresh. 
-I've not got a new job or changed my room around, I can't believe I thought changing my room around counted as saying 'Yes', maybe it does because I can be lazy, oops! Although I've said yes to a lot more things, by experimenting with new styles, clothes and makeup and stepping out of my comfort zone when I think I cannot do something, for example I played a round of golf for the first time, and went for a rather long walk in the country side to clear my head!

10. Last but certainly not least, to re-vamp my blog! I've had a little play around to see how I can make my blog more appealing for the time being but i'd really like to change the layout and 'theme' of how it looks, considering the colours etc!
I feel like i've been a lot more experimental with my blog posts, including more lifestyle and fashion posts rather than my typical beauty related post! I've also been experimenting and made a new header for my blog, I wasn't sure on it at first but I love it now!

Let me know what you'd like to see here on my blog!

Until next time...

Amy X

Stationary Haul | Back to School

Hello!
I've always loved stationary so there's no surprise that when shopping for 'Back to School' I got a little excited. Usually I would go a little crazy and purchase stationary that I didn't necessarily need but thought was cute so in the basket it went, but not this time! This time I picked up bits i'm almost certain i'll use, although I may need to go back for a few more bits as i'm not entirely sure what and how many files i'll need for the different areas within my course. So here's what I picked up...

I popped into Wilko as they usually have a good range of stationary, the basics and pretty ones at affordable prices. I wasn't overly impressed by the range of 'pretty' stationary as it just wasn't to my taste but I did pick up the basics which i'm more than delighted with the prices!

HERE

First up is this dark pink ring binder file, which i'm sure i'll use or it's just handy to have in case you may need a file when you least expect it. They had this file in a few colours, pink, white, black and I think blue, so will pretty much suit anybodies taste and at 50p you can't go wrong can you? This is the only file I purchased as I said, I'm not sure how many i'll need but i'll definitely be picking up some more of these. 

HERE

I'm almost sure you can't go supplies shopping without picking up paper, unless your school provides it of course! So into my basket went this Wilko A5 Project Notebook, with 3 dividers for different subjects or areas of your work. I picked up this as it was a bargain at £1.85 and was handy to have to take down my own personal notes in college of what I think may help me, rather than what I've been asked to take down.

HERE

Now this wasn't from Wilko as I couldn't find it in there, but I bought an nu: Craze A4 Notebook from B&M bargains at £1.99. I picked this notebook in particular as it has good quality paper to write on. Does anyone else feel like they write better when the paper is of a better quality? Yeah, I definitely fit into that category of people! This will be used to take down the notes I am asked to that will go into one of my files or portfolio's. 

HERE

That pen though...

Of course, you need something to write with! So yes, I have a favourite pen that were on offer when I went stationary shopping, score! These Zebra Z-Grip Ballpoint pens were sold in a pack of 5 for only £1.25, they're so nice to write with and are comfortable too when making lengthy notes as they have the cushion grip, so at £1.25 into my basket they went! Also they're black, my preferred colour to write in.

HERE

The last item from Wilko is this rubber, yes it has a little dog on it- haha! I didn't pick this up for the dog, I was in need of a rubber for my pencil case and this was the cheapest at 35p and one of the biggest there. I must admit they had another one with a floral design which I would have preferred but this was cheaper so why not?

Last but not least were from a small shop that pretty much sold everything! Just a packet of 5x highlighters for £1, very affordable and perfect for highlighting important notes taken, i'm just hoping they won't run out too quickly but for only £1, I can't complain.

That's it for my stationary haul, like I said I didn't go as crazy as I usually would so here are just the essentials that I think are a need for anybody in the last years of secondary school or starting college. I'm sure that i'll be popping back to Wilko or a local supermarket when I have a full list of stationary that I actually do need once I start back at college. Like I said in my previous Back to School post, here- I hope all of you have a great start to the year whether you're starting high school, GCSE years, college or uni and enjoy what you're doing!

Until next time,

Amy X

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

Source: here

The August Agenda

Hello!
I thought my next post would be a small update on what I plan to do this August, even though we're already 10 days into the month, oops! I've not got a hell of a lot planned this month in terms of events but there are a few things I do plan to get done. This is not a wish/bucket list as I've already done one for this summer, here on my blog, but here's what I plan to do in August..

Source:  Google- here.

• Spend time with family

Next Saturday to be exact me and my family are off down south to South Devon. We've been close to Plymouth before but if you didn't already know Plymouth is one of my uni options(although i'm still debating whether I want to go at all), so i'd like to see the uni and the area itself in general. Of course that's not all we're doing and why we're going, we're heading away for a short break and also plan to visit the zoo and beach! I must rephrase that, visit the beach to walk along- me and my families are definitely not beach bums and I don't expect the weather to be so great! Also I hate sand anyway.

• Catch up with friends

This is a must! Although I've just realised this is sounding a lot like my Summer Bucket List but i'm going to be more particular. My friend is away on holiday at the moment and has been for a short while, and me and other close friend don't get to spend much time together due to our work shifts. But this August i'd definitely like to spend time with them even it means just going for food or to see the Inbetweeners 2- how have I not caved and seen it already on my own? Haha, I joke that would be pretty sad.

• Cram(oops) last minute college work in..

I felt like I had done the work I had to do over Summer, but it turns out I've been emailed a list of what I need to do before I go back on the 5th September, eek so soon I may cry! So once i'm back from my travels I must crack on with that and just prepare to go back to college anyway. This means I sort out my life, aka my sleeping patterns, waking up early and do not wake up on the first day back and scurry around to find a pen in the morning! This means stationary shopping: note to self- do not leave this to the last minute(the day before you go back)

• Blog, blog blog. Oh and do an outfit/fashion post.

Obviously with being off college I've had a lot more time to blog, during term time my studies are my main priority(of course). I can already feel that this last year is going to be hectic with so much to do even before Christmas so I won't have much time to blog, not only that- I'll be tired! So as Summers coming to an end, this August I plan to write as many as I can to schedule for those times when i'm busy. 

Also this blog is supposed to be 'Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle', although i'm getting better with the Lifestyle sides of things, the fashion posts are lacking! I will be posting a clothing haul and i'm quite happy with some of my purchases so who knows, hopefully i'll get a fashion post up! Maybe an OOTD.

So there you have it, as I said this post wasn't going to be me listing events as I've just not planned that far in advance yet but in my head I have. I've got 21 days to complete each one of these things, hopefully things go to plan! Apologies if this post was a bit boring but this was sort of an update post to keep you guys informed!

See you next with my clothing haul!

Amy X