Blog no.1!

Last Saturday (10th Feb) I attended the induction Skype session as I begin my journey at Middlesex University. Meeting and hearing from other students, both old and new on the course was a great help to me in not only settling my nerves in re-entering the academic world, but also in hearing about how fellow professionals manage to pursue successful careers in their fields as well as working to complete a degree.

I unfortunately do probably still remain a bit of a mystery to everyone who was part of that session as my microphone was not working (for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out how to turn it on!) So I spent the session trying to get involved as best I could by typing. Thankfully everyone was very patient and still made me feel included. And as I said (or typed) during the session, it was as if I was prepping for my blogs as trying to get across thoughts and feelings through written word (where you don’t rattle on for too long) isn’t always the easiest.

Coming away from the session, I have noted down some of the key points made of which I will be taking forward with me into this course:

• Create your own set of deadlines. I started a new dance contract this week. It was a very last minute achievement and really didn’t expect for my whole timetable to be turned upside down all at once, with uni and job starting at the same time. So the idea to create my own deadlines on top of the course set ones, will be of great use to me. That way I can stay on top of my work, but also with extra time left in case performance/rehearsals become especially busy. This way I should always be able to submit my work on time. 
• Note down as soon as you have an idea. An idea for a blog or a point of interest to research or reflect on could pop up at any time but just as easily could be forgotten if not written down immediately. I have now started to carry a notebook around with me dedicated to these all important moments of inspiration. 
• Voice memos. I have never used this before, but it is a great idea if there isn’t time to write down an idea. So I will use this to store up ideas from moments when I’m especially busy. 

We also discussed the use of writing our blogs. Adesola told us it was best to write short blogs regularly (trying to stick to around 400 words). This will help with refining our thinking and help us to build on our academic writing style. Blogging is also a great tool to encourage discussion, so it is best to go at writing a blog as if it is a question in process. 

And so I have come to the end of my first blog. I am very much looking forward to meeting more professionals on this course and reading and discussing ideas with everyone!