I HAVE GRADUATED!
This is an important post for me. The last couple of months have been groundbreaking. I'll go as far as to say they were life-changing. I've submitted the single longest (and one of the most important) pieces of writing in my academic career -- my dissertation. The piece got the highest mark. I've passed all the other assignments, too. Today, however, is special. The chapter in my life called 'higher education' ends here. Ladies and gents, I've graduated. With distinction. Here's a look back on how I got here.
Decisions, decisions, decisions...
Exactly this time three years ago I was about to make a decision. Back then, I knew that it's going to be a significant one and it'll have an impact on my future. As my peers, I've just completed high school, passed exams and got my grades back. I was holding an offer from the London university. This in itself was an exciting prospect and achievement. But was I able to leave everyone I know and make a leap of faith, moving far away from home?
I was going to study linguistics at the university nearby my hometown. I was alright with languages. I could always choose the local university and be home every weekend. My thinking was slightly different. My heart was set on London. I was there once before. I went with the school trip. As most of the tourists normally do, I felt in love with the city. I then thought it would be great to come back at some point.
Getting on the plane
Choosing the next step to take after high school seemed like a perfect opportunity for me to realise the dream of living over the Thames. I never considered myself as brave, but this decision, though scary, just seemed right. I was anxious, but I've managed to pluck up the courage to pack my bag, got on the plane and leave to the place, where I didn't know anyone and didn't know what to expect from it.
Beginnings weren't easy at all. The language barrier, that I never thought would even exist, was evident. Language, that I thought was my huge advantage, appeared to be a burden and something that I needed to work hard to master. I was supposed to be writing 1,500-words essays. The longest piece I've written in English was 400-word "paper" for my final exam that would be downgraded if it would be any longer (sic!).
I've only got out of my starting blocks
My writing and communications skills in general aren't quite pristine just yet. It's still work in progress. But I've learnt that being too hard on myself isn't always beneficial. I gave myself a bit more time, keep listening to Radio 4 on a daily basis and keep putting content on MK on weekly basis. We're all learning and learning curve is there to enjoy it.
Talking about learning, living away from home was a great lesson, too. Ironing shirts, cooking food, managing budget. Apart from many life lessons, my time here gave me the most important thing -- insights into public relations. I've been blogging, networking, learning. I'm not sure if I've already mentioned (it was really hard to convey this sarcasm in writing), but I've landed an amazing role last month.
Despite graduating with the highest mark and landing a job, I've only just got out of my starting blocks...
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PS. This is the 100th published post on my blog. Amazing coincidence that a post about such an important milestone in my life marks the milestone of this blog.
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If you have any suggestions, would like to guest post or give me a feedback, feel free to email me at kl.marcel [at] gmail.com, tweet me @marcelkl or check my experience on LinkedIn. Thanks for stopping by, have a splendid day!