As I have said many times before, I have just finished my first year at university. This past year has been so different to what I thought it would be, in a good way.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every module that I have sat. The content is so interesting, if not a little difficult. It has made me realise that I really do want to go into science, even though it will take a lot of hard work.
I finished my exams two weeks ago and am awaiting my results for first year. Last week, I went to the 'Golden Triangle' of biotech companies, Oxford, Cambridge and London on a Workplace Study Tour with my university. We went around 7 different companies, from small companies with 30 odd members of staff, to large multi-national companies with thousands of employees. They mostly all have Research and Development departments, which is where I would love to work. Going on this tour definitely confirmed in my mind that I want to go into industry for my placement year next year. It was also reassuring to find out that I do not have to move to America to research the things that I want to, pain and cancer. In fact, there is plenty of companies that specialise in those areas within the UK. I have always been open to moving away, I will go where the work is. But knowing that I can be within an hour of home, with a number of different airports is reassuring.
I never imagined that my first year of uni would have been almost completely affected by mental illness. During both exam sessions I went into crisis, the most serious being the exams session just passed. I have been struggling with self-harm and ideations for, particularly the past few months.
I have also been dealing with family issues. In October, my mum broke her elbow and required me to look after her as she could not drive. Then in February, my granda was diagnosed with bowel cancer, almost three years to the day that his late wife was diagnosed with the same thing. He has had an operation to remove the tumour, and unfortunately some of his bowel. He had to have a bag fitted and has been getting used to it for the past couple of months. He started chemotherapy three weeks ago as a preventative measure. This has obviously been rather stressful for the whole family, especially when you take into account his pre-existing mental health conditions that have worsened due to this.
I cannot believe my first year of university is over. Time has flown so fast! Less than a month until I get the key to my new house, even more growing up for me to do!
Here's to the next 4 years!