Well, it’s been almost a week now since the university application went out of the door. At 10:06am on Friday, November 21st my application left the college and went on its merry way to UCAS. Just writing that is quite liberating.
I try and sell myself as a guy with no regrets, however, along with never successfully appearing on Fun House, not going to university ‘back in the day’ is one of my biggest demons and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve a lot more work experience than your average joe/jane as a result, and back then I was interested in Business or Journalism as opposed to Film & TV; but I still feel that I’ve missed out on the experience.
Going back to education has been quite an experience, especially as I started the journey a couple of months before turning 27. I’ve learnt a lot about myself and realised that what I’m studying and planning to continue studying is the right path for me and it is definitely something that have a genuine passion for; just listening to me drone on about the latest film releases or the intricacies of the plot in Battlestar Galactica should be enough to prove that!
I’ve got, and kept my head down during the Interactive Media diploma so far, so in regards to my grades on the course, I’m very optimistic and my predicted results reflect the hard work I’ve put in. I’ll tell you straight, it’s not easy being a mature student going back to education, it’s easy to take your foot off the pedal!
For those of you who are interested, I have selected the University of Glamorgan as my first choice, their BA (Hons) Film & Video undergraduate degree is certainly the most interesting one I’ve looked into, with the added touch that we get a chance to work with 18mm and 35mm film as well as the usual digital video. The facility in Cardiff is just amazing. Glamorgan is also a Skillset Screen Academy, meaning that it is supported by an organisation that is responsible for training many in the industry. From a ‘fan boi’ perspective, Cardiff is BBC Wales territory, and therefore home of two of my favourite shows, Doctor Who and Torchwood.
My second choice is the University of Leeds, and their BA (Hons) Cinema & Photography undergraduate degree is hot on the heels of my first choice. As with Glamorgan, I’ve visited the Leeds facilities and they are also of a very high standard. I have friends in’t Leeds (the intrepid Mr. Stevens of Zero Sports fame and his delightfully significant other Ms. Booth) and the prospect of staying in the Headingley area is quite exciting! The course at Leeds is also of great interest and it’s content appeals to me, not to mention the reputation Leeds has for providing outstanding work experience opportunities to third-year students which has given me a headache when coming to my decision on who goes first!
So, I now wait on the edge of my seat for the interview stage, if I’m lucky enough to be selected. I didn’t think I’d be quite this nervous, but as this journey I’ve embarked on means so much to me, I think the nerves are justified don’t you think? Fingers crossed.
Good night, and good luck.