Bits of this, lots of that

Results Are In!

2010-02-19T16:29:00.002Z

Finally, the results from the 2 assignments I have submitted so far are in. I got 54 (2:2 equiv') for Counselling Skills and Process 1 and I got 58 (2:2 equiv') for my Humanistics Theories and Principles essay and 72 (some kind of first) for the presentation part of this assignment.

Athough the results are pretty good for a first year attempt, I am still conscious of the fact that I couldn't hit level 4 at Northern College. I have set my goal for university at a 2:1, that is the lowest degree I want to leave with. If I keep getting marks like that, I will not make my goal target.

I am still suffering with the social aspect of my uni' life, and do miss my friends and family very much. When I was at home, I didn't visit them very much but being away from home has made me realise just how much I appreciate and love them. Fiona came to York on Monday (14th February) with Cameron and Shakila. That was really special for me, to be able to spend the day with them. We looked around town, came back to uni' for lunch and then went back in to town. If it had been a nicer day, we could have done a lot more..............but there's always the good weather after Easter to come. York is usually a heat trap and some really good days out can be had.

I have decided, in an attempt to lose weight and support a worthy cause, to give up all forms of takeaway for lent this year. The takeaways will not be happy but The Salvation Army in Doncaster will be :). I have decided that all donations, and the money I save from not eating takeaways, will go to support DREAM (a project of Doncaster Salvation Army). More information about DREAM can be found by clicking on the 'donate' button below. This will take to my JustGiving page.

Semester Two Slip-Ups

2010-01-29T17:10:00.000Z

Semester Two is due to start on Monday (1st February) but I still do not know my full timetable.............how shit is that? What makes it even more shittier is the fact that additonal support services are now under pressure to arrange a support worker when the timetable is finally completed.

The original elective module I selected has been cancelled, but I discovered it second hand from another student.............I wasn't on the email list! Now! The second module I have chosen is running at the same time as a core module, can you believe it?

Registry and Faculty keep telling me to talk to each department, so they both don't know what is going on. So I have sent an email to the head of department informing them that I will transfer to another university unless I am given a module that I would like to do...................after all, I'm paying for it!

Better Late Than Never

2010-01-20T16:22:00.002Z

Wow! I haven't been on here for a while have I? What have I been up to? Well! I spent a new years eve with one of my very few best mates, he had a wee party at his house. It was ace! He laid on a wee buffet, I took a joint of ham along (which went down quite well) and we listened to music, played on the wii, had a laugh and got slightly merry. We brought the new year in hand in hand to Auld Lang Syne...........then drunk some more-haha!

I completed my Counselling Skills essay the best I could. I didn't really understand what the criteria was aksing of me, so I just did it my way making sure I covered what I thought it was telling me to-hahaha! I came back to uni' on the 10th January (Sunday) as I had to print off and hand my essay in by the Tuesday. I just have to wait for the outcome now, fingers crossed!

Before coming back, I booked tickets to Inverness for the end of February. I am going to see a new celtic rock band play at Hoots'. Coast are a Southern based band who recently released their deut album entitled 'Coast'. What a fantastically inspirational album it is too, I really can't wait to meet the lads and share a beer with them. The lead singer of the band is Paul Eastham who is an amazing pianist. You can find out more about Coast by visiting their website at www.coastrock.co.uk. You can also check out the various videos on Youtube and Facebook (I will add some to my video section too).

12th January (Tuesday) was my first day volunteering for The Wilberforce Trust in York. As part of my 'Helping in the Community' module, we have to do a certain number of hours. I am a befriending volunteer and sit and talk to a service user in their home for an hour each week. There is the opportunity for me to do more hours by undertaking training abd getting involved with events and group activities.

After my first volunteering session, I disappeard home again as I had a PS3 coming that week. I got home to find my keyboard wasn't working, so had to fork out for another. I did bring the old one back here to test, but it still doesn't work..........I'm making good use of the wireless mouse here though-hehe!

Today (Wednesday 20th January), I went to see the Physio again. I'm having trouble with my left thigh area, I get a pins and needles sensation in it on a frequent basis. She prodded and poked me (which was quite enjoyable really, even if it did hurt) and came to the conclusion that I must have trapped nerves.......maybe something to do with my back pain. I've to continue with the exercises that she gave me, with the addition of another, and go back in a few weeks.

I have just listened to Coast and am now listening to The GiveWay, which is making me feel tired-haha! The GiveWay are a four piece celtic band from Scotland. The girls have been influenced by music from an early age and have been involved with their current project since 1998. In 2008, Brian Hurran (of Runrig) produced a cover single for the girls entitled 'The Water Is Wide'. This can be heard at www.myspace.com/givewaymusic.

Boxing Day - The real one

2009-12-28T12:16:00.001Z

After discovering that Boxing Day is really the first weekday after Christmas day, I would like to say happy Boxing day-haha! As usual, I have been sleeping too much and haven't started my essay yet. The flat needs tidying, my bed needs changing and I need to get dressed...............but I can't be bothered to do any of it!!!!

I have booked my return ticket from Inverness to York, so am all set to go see Coast (http://www.coastrock.co.uk/) at Hootananny's in Inverness on 27th February-yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!! Try the debut album from Coast, it's fantastic. The band have come a very long way in a short space of time and I can see great happenings for them.

I went in to town yesterday and met up with Mummybear, McFifi, Camerooniepoo and Shakilabum. I think Mummybear must have put her knickers on twisted, 'cause she was moaning about the kids and I making noise and people looking at us. They are 4 and 8, they are allowed to do silly things. I can get away with it because I am playing with them and I don't really give a shit anyway :D. McFifi pointed out that I had a forrest growing from my noise, so I had to buy a trimmer......but I bought tweezers too, just 'cause it feels nice plucking the hairs (I know, I'm mad.......but hey).

I'm going to town again in a bit to get some pop. I'm out and Pwincess Laura wouldn't bring me any of hers (the tight bitch-haha).

Santa's Been - Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!

2009-12-25T13:17:00.001Z

Santa's been *spud claps hands and cheers*. I awoke at 6:20am after a few hours sleep, I was excited :D. After texting my Sister to tell her to slap the kids awake, I got up to open my own presents. I must have been and extremely good boy this year as I had quite a bit to open.

I got 2 jumpers and a thick hoodie, boxers, socks, lots of nice smellies, shortbread, t-shirts, jack daniels, sweeties and £110 in total........not bad for a poor student eh?

I made a decision to stop at home this year because I can't afford to return presents and would have felt more guilty and uncomfortable sitting there opening presents from the family when I haven't got anything from them. I know it seems silly (and I'm fed up of people telling me I am silly) but it is my way of dealing with it (or avoiding it, whichever way you want to look at it). It is something for me to analyse and explore................not just yet though, I'm too lazy to think-haha!

I have food in the fridge and cupboard, the freezer is always full because I'm too lazy to cook for myself and I have bought some mini turkey breasts to cook for dinner and sandwiches. I have my computer to hand and my remote control beside me (watching Top Gear at the moment). I am happy with the decision I have made. Whether it be right or wrong is something for my organismic valuing process to determine. The fact that I am talking about it could be my ideal self trying to validate the decision though......hmmmm!

I'm having a good day so far. I have just put the turkey in to cook and am off to peel the spuds etc in a minute. I've had a good blether with my Mum, Sister, Ken, Dad, Gran and the wee yins......although Cameron was more interested in his Xbox than talking to Uncle Bill-haha!

.............TBC

Dinner turned out to be okay, even thought I cooked too much (as usual). I only ate enough to make me feel contently full instead of binge eating until my belly hurts. I wonder if you can guess what I did after dinner? Yep, I fell asleep-haha!

Christmas day in my little cave was relaxing, nice and quiet and I enjoyed every minute of it..............Except the TV. Has anyone else noticed that Christmas TV has been rather under cooked this year?

Home for Christmas - Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

2009-12-21T13:16:00.000Z

I managed to get that essay finished and in on time :). I didn't doubt that I would as I was determined I was going to do it; I was a little stressed about not having the motivation sooner. Maybe the deadline looming was the motivation I needed to finish it, maybe it's the new lighting in my room or maybe it's the increased medication......I don't raelly know to be honest, but I'm glad it's done.

Back in my own cave now, and boy does it feel good. The cave needs a tidy mind, but it is just good to be able to sleep in my own bed or take a nap on the sofa. I love my home more, since going to Northern College really, and I enjoy spending time here now. It has become a place of relaxation, entertainment and happiness. Maybe I enjoy it too much as I don't seem to go anywhere-haha!.

I met my Dad, Gran and Uncle Joe in town on Friday for a short time. I then met my Mum and Fifi and wandered around with them for a bit. It was nice to see them, it seems like it has been ages. I was a little annoyed to discover that my Mum is getting harrassed at work though. Annoyed at seeing how upsetting it is for her. They are cowards though; They must be to pick on a woman who has health issue. 20 years ago my Mum would have taken them outside and cleared the snow with them.

After my Mum caught the bus to work, Fifi and I went to Mr Tesco. I had had a problem with wind all day and one sneaked out down one of the aisles. I there had not been an old guy behind me, Fifi would probably not have been so embarrassed-haha! After getting my shopping I tried phoning for a taxi. The earliest I could get one was an hour or so later so we just caught the bus.

On Saturday (19th December) I went to visit my Aunty, Uncle and Cousin in Carcroft. Carcroft was like an ice rink, I was sliding all over. It was good to see them, especially my Uncle has he has not been too well lately.

On Sunday (20th December) I braved the ice and went to moring service at Church. It was really good to see everyone as I haven't seen them since I left for Uni I don't think. It was the carol service that evening but it had snowed again in the afternoon and covered the ice so I didn't want to risk it.

977 Down, About 1500 To Go

2009-12-06T14:27:00.000Z

I'm starting to feel a little better now, but I still can't stop thinking of John-Paul and those he has left behind. It is so sad. What is even sadder is reading the vile comments that people have left on the pages of the likes of Facebook, Newspapers etc. Uno was like a teddy bear and had been around the kids since he was a puppy. Any dog breed is unpredicatable and can shock at any time. I remembe rmy Mum's dog, Sammy; he was soft as shit with us but he used to try and bit anyone he wasn't sure of......even if he knew them.

I have managed to motivate myself quite a bit this week (well, I think the tablets have helped) and I have written 977 words. It is still brief, but I have tried to keep it organised as I have gone along in order to make sense of it and hope for further enlightenment as I read. I think the news of John-Paul has contributed a little, as I have been looking for things to do to keep my mind occupied otherwise I would melt away in to a world of sorrow.

I am still confident, all though slightly pressured, that I will have it completed by Monday 14th deadline but I have kept all my tutors updated on how I am feeling at the moment. The other 2 essays I have left to do I can do so over Christmas.

Nearly Christmas - Deadline looming

2009-12-04T08:23:00.000Z

It is Friday the 4th of December now, and I no more further on with my work than I was this time last month. My motivation and energy levels just seem to be non existent.

We did our presentation for Humanistics the other Monday. It was a 30 minintue presentation on the works and influences of French writer, Albert Camus. Within the presentation, we had to show his relationship and influences with existentialism. We worked really hard and it showed, we think it went really well :).

Since the changing of the clocks, I had been suffering with tension headaches (due to the lack of natural lighting and having to rely more on this energy saving shit). Fortunately, they have replaced the fitting on the ceilling with a dual strip tube light and they have replaced all the wall light bulbs so all my lights are the same colour white. The place is a lot brighter now and I can see to do things..........maybe even writing for my essay :p.

I received a nice gift the other day from one of my mates, a signed Coast CD. Coast (a celtic rock band who originate from the Southampton are) have been around for about a year/year and a half but on the 21st November 2009 took their career to new heights by releasing their debut album. It is not their first release but it is their first album, and what an album it is. If you wish, you can check out more on Coast by visiting www.coastrock.co.uk. Paul Eastham (the lead vocalist) has undertook a number of projects in his time and is an amazing pianist. He has performed a track with Duffy. Check out Paul Eastham too, you won't be disappointed by either, I can assure you.

The Runrig Winter tour has started..........and I can't make any *spud cries*. I did receive a lovely offer of a free ticket to Sheffield on the 15th December today, but I can't make it due to Uni' committments and transport issues. Oh well, I saw them at Scone Palacd so I have seen them once this year.

I heard the terrible news the other day that my little friend had died as a result of being attacked by a dog :(. Little John-Paul spent 9 months at Northern College with his Mummy at the same time as me. He was a lovely, playful, energetic little man who always had a smile on his cheeky little face. I really do feel for his Family. All the kids at Northern College were entertaining and cheered us all up no end. If we didn't see them running around the dinning room, we wondered what was wrong. Little John-Paul was very popular with all our fellow students and the other kids too. He will be missed by so many. God Bless and keep you safe little man. Our love for you will never die xxx.

Reading Week - The light has switched on (hopefully)

2009-11-12T17:04:00.000Z

Reading week is nearly over now and I have managed to do some work. Not as much as I probably could have done or would have liked, but I am making some progress with the motivation and settling in issues. I would like to take the credit for the spur of energy that has enabled me, but I have to praise the counsellor, other students and the support team for it really. They have all contributed.

I have nearly finished (I hope) my part of the presentation and have also started reading other books for my essay in Humanistics. I have watched gowns, mortar boards, the beautiful people wearing them and their smartly dressed and proud family and friends pass me all day. It has made me feel genuine warmth and pride for them and encouraged me somewhat. That could be me in three years time and how proud would I feel? How proud would my family and friends feel? And how proud would Marie (my personal tutor at Northern College and good friend) feel? I owe it to them and to myself to do the very best I can, knuckle down and aim for that 2:1 goal I have set myself.

I have had appointments gallore all week and feel tired, and the week isn't over. Tomorrow, I have booked a room for us to do some work on the presentation and then I have an appointment with the Physio in the late afternoon. I did manage to get a wander in to town today for an hour or so and I would have enjoyed it if my lower back hadn't been hurting. I am planning on getting some work done over the weekend on my essay and hopefully even making a start on it. I also want to go to Wilkinsons at Cliffton Moor to get some more deodorant as I forgot to bring some back with me from home.

It is back to studies next week but I am also planning on managing my time better. I have not reached my learning peak and I do strongly believe that I have a lot of learning potential left in me.........I just hope I don't peak too soon-haha!!!!

Reading Week - Half way through the semester

2009-11-07T14:07:00.003Z

Oh well, back home again for a few days. It's reading week next week; ties in nicely with the graduation ceremonies for those who have done the hard work already. Even though it is a nice and welcomed break, I do have lots of work to do. Partly it is my fault because I haven't done anything but I have become demotivated by all the problems I have been having at uni'.

After booking an appointment to see all my course tutors and academic tutor, I received a letter instructing me to attend a course review. I was pulled up by one of the tutors on the review panel about my participation in the presentation group. I had missed a meeting due to having a tension headache and missed part of a meeting that wasn't planned due to having a pre-booked appointment with my mentor. Rather than bring this to my attention, the tutor decided to raise in front of the review panel.........which rather pissedd me off. I did name the feeling (as we are taught to name our thoughts) and he gave his explanation, but I am still pissedd off about it and am going to have a word with him after reading week.

I think I starting to turn a corner a little bit now in the way of how I am feeling. I have been reading 'Person Centred Counselling in Action' as part of the notetaking for my essay but have been relating the information to how I feel. I have been trying to focus more on how I am feeling and responding to throught so that I can look at it from a different perspective.

Sally (my support worker on Tuesdays and a counselling skills graduate) has drawn me up an action plan for reading week. She has informed me that I had better have it done and she wants to see the work afterwards. With that in mind, I better pop off and do a bit more-haha!

Half Way Through Semester One - Let's catch up

2009-10-30T08:23:00.000Z

Semester one is now half way through and I have only just started to do some work. I have been struggling with both emotional and technical issues which I have allowed to have an influence on my efforts of participation on the course.

The thing I have really been struggling most with (emotionally) is the fact that I miss my friends and greatly miss northern college. Prior to doing the social sciences diploma there, I had done quite a lot of skills for life short courses. Northern college became a comfort zone and security blanket after my depression in 2007 and I think I am learning now just how dependent I became on it, the grounds and the staff........and it is hard to adjust. Also, I have just recently got my computer back after it fell ill when a graphics card was dropped in it. Not having the technology has been a bit of a pain in the arse really.

Another thing that has been bothering me is the fact that I couldn't use my magnification software in the library (or so I thought). This has contributed to me feeling isolated (being stuck in my room all the time) and demotivated. However *spud blushes*, I have since learnt that I was in fact using the wrong PC's and the magnification pen does work in the library after all. What a numpty! And that is me with the IT Essentials 1 certificate in hardware and software maintenance and an ECDL.

After last weeks humanistic theory and principles session I had a mentoring session. Stuart gave me a good verbal kick up the arse, which I think I neededto be honest. This has motivated me slightly and I have begun to look at a book and make notes on it for the essay. After discovering my software works, speaking to Stuart and reading the book, I am trying to focus on me and my feelings. I am trying to become more emotionally aware of myself in order that I may deal with minor falls like this and not become to concerned about them.

I have bitten the bullet early on, help wise, and I booked tutorials with all my tutors, additional support and my academic tutor to let them know how I am feeling and search out possible guidance and tips. As a result however, I have been asked to attend a meeting with the course director, leader, academic tutor etc next tuesday (3rd November) to discuss issues in participation. The letter was a bit formal and has made me nervous and left me wondering if I am in for a severe arse kicking :s.

I have been lucky so far, but I haven't escaped it...........................I have caught fresher's flu I think. It started the other day with a sore throat, chesty and painful cough and blocked nose. It has now progressed slighly with the addition of weakness and a runny nose - I HAVE MAN FLU!!!!!

Week 3 - The week from hell?

2009-10-17T14:15:00.001+01:00

Week three is nearly over now, and I still don't really feel any easier about uni' life than I did in the first week.

The Humanistics presentation plan was shot out of the water on Monday (12th Ocober 2009) with the announcement that another group had decided to do theirs on Kafka. We have met a few times this week to bash out an idea. We had decided to do Gary Numen, but couldn't find enough evidence to prove that he could have been an existentialist or had existentialist influences. In the end we settled for the french author, Albert Camus.

Counselling skills on Tuesday (13th October) was good. We discussed various listening skills which we would use in a helping role and discussed things not to do when talking to someone (like look out of the window-haha). The skills practice session was ok I guess. I did stumble quite a bit and had to stop my practice session and ask for help. Whether it was the way I was feeling that was having an affect on me or what, I don't know.

On Wednesday (14th October 2009) we had our first MPS session. There wasn't any singing in this session, it was a kind of 'get to know you' session with games and stuff. I didn't really feel comfortable being there to be honest due to the way I am feeling at the moment. I am hoping that I will feel more relaxed and comfortable soon as it is important to MPS that we all bond well for the sake of the production(s).

I went in to town on Thursday (15th October 2009) for a wander around. On the way back, I noticed loads of police and an army vehcle outisde the minster, so went along to find out what was happening. I learnt that it was the 'inspection of the troops' where the Mayor addresses the troops and reafirms their entitlement to the freedom of the city.

Later that day, I went to Clifton Moor with the guy over the way to get some pop from Mr and Mrs Tesco. Although, not entirely knowing what you want before you go in to a supermarket is not a wise move. I ended up coming out with £40 worth of junk (sweets, cookies, cluster things, nuts etc).

I went to see a counsellor on Friday (16th October 2009) to discuss how I was feeling at the moment and how I am finding it difficult to actually bite in to a piece of work. I also emailed all my tutors to inform them the difficulties I am having at the moment and what I am trying to do about it.

I am going to try and do a bit of research over the weekend as well as attend the first MPS rehearsals on Sunday. Hopefully next week will be much better.

Week 2 Over - Still haven't started!

2009-10-10T16:45:00.001+01:00

Oh well, the third week is now over and I still have not gotten anything done. The lectures weren't as tiresome this week though, so that is a plus-hehe!

On Wednesday (7th October 2009), I was supposed to take delivery of my computer at Uni'. Unfortunately, the guy had to go home and attend to a family emergency. I hope everything turned out ok for him. In the afternoon, I went to the Music Production Society's (MPS) audions for the choir. I haven't heard anything, but it was hard as I could not read the music and had to try and remember everything.

On Friday (9th October 2009) I started my Birthday in the early hours with a confrontation. Some mummy's boy was banging doors and making a racket, so I went out to tell him to keep it down. He told me to "go back to bed and chill the fuck out", which made me angry (as you will probably guess). Around 20 minutes afterwards, it went quiet though.

In the 'real' morning, I went to speak to one of the disability co-ordinator's about it. As a result, I have submitted a complaint to accommodations about that, the food and how the catering voucher system is poor. As I was half cocked anyway, they got both barrels-haha!.

I celebrated the rest of the day with plenty of cards and the delivery of my new computer. It took over four hours to get it connecting to the network in a stable manner but it was worth the wait to be back online again. I then treated myself to a fish supper and chilled out watching the TV.

Today (10th October 2009) I walked around town and accidently discovered that the Castle Museum wasn't all that far away, so I went in to have a look. It cost me £6.50 mind, but I could take as many pictures as I liked.

Tomorrow (11th October 2009) I am going to The Salvation Army in the morning, as I haven't been since I arrived. Then I may pop in to town for my lunch before going to the solo auditions of the Music Production Society (MPS)

The First Accademic Week - A summary of thought

2009-10-03T15:34:00.001+01:00

The first accademic week has been exciting and the modules do have the potential to be very interesting. My head is just so clouded and confused at the moment, that I am unable to focus on what needs to be done.

I have booked an appointment with my Accademic Tutor (AT) for Monday, so I will have a good chat with him about things. I think I am still trying to absorb the information I was given in Fresher's Week part 1 and that is why I am struggling.

My computer is delivered on Wednesday morning, so I should be able to plan some quality study time then. At the moment, I can't do that myself. I have the use of support workers but I don't fully understand what I am supposed to be doing.

All in the all, the week has been a good one. I have located cheap stationery, got to know a few more people and can find my way around the city centre shops-haha! I have had a combination of thoughts this week though. Thoughts of whether I can do this, thoughts of confusion, thoughts of knowing things that have been told to me (which is the exciting part.........it reinforces my thought that I'm not thick-haha).

We were told to 'own our thoughts'. What does this mean? I think my path will be clearer when I speak to the AT on Monday.

Helping Hands - An introduction

2009-10-03T15:28:00.000+01:00

On Friday (2nd October) we had our first session of Helping in the Community. This module is designed to allow us time to gain hands-on experience through volunteering or paid work for a few hours each week.

We were introduced to the module and The Opportunites Gateway within the University (which helps locate volunteering and job opportunities etc) and were told how the Student Union could also help.

There is a Jobs and Volunteering Fair coming up on the 7th and 14th October, so I may pop along to those to see what is on offer, but I have thought about asking The Salvation Army. After the session, I decided that I would come home for the weekend.

Picture Perfect - Or is it?

2009-10-03T15:20:00.002+01:00

On Thursday (1st October) I wandered in to town and bought a Canon EOS 450D digital SLR camera. Don't ask me why, because I still haven't worked that out for myself yet. Myabe it was an alternative thought to buying an Xbox 360 Elite (which I nearly did).

In the camera shop in the centre of York, they wanted £599 just for the body. I got the body with an 18-55mm lens, an 8Gb SD card and a kit bag for around £550 from Jessops, so I was well pleased with myself.

Since buying the camera, I have ordered an EF 75-300mm lens from ebay to go with my kit. It was around £100 cheaper than the RRP, so again, I am well pleased.

Clifton Moor - A new shopping experience

2009-10-03T15:16:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday (30th September) I walked to Clifton Moor (a retail outlet). It took me an hour and a half, but it was a nice day and, let's face it, I need the exercise-haha! On arriving at Clifton Moor, I took the wrong road and ended up walking all the way around the service bays at the back. Eventually finding the front of the shops, I sat down to study the environment I was in.

The first shop I ventured in to was Wilkinsons. Man! You want to see the size of it. It is about the size of our Tesco Extra in Doncaster (ok, maybe a bit smaller) and has a cafe in it too. I stocked up on some cheap (in price) paper for my printer and another lever arch file and moved on to the Tesco Extra.

The Tesco Extra reminded me of the one in Elgin really. It was a split floor Tesco with food and clothing downstairs and digital stuff an more clothing upstairs. I didn't realise that Clifton Moor was a split site, so there was shops that hadn't seen when I caught the bus back to town.

That evening, I went along to the introduction meeting of the Music Production Society (MPS). I am thinking of going along to the forthcomin auditions for a spot in either the choir, dance or solo for the variety show they are putting on at Christmas. YSJ MPS won an award last year for best performance society (or something like that).

Counselling Skills and Process 1 - An introduction

2009-10-03T15:06:00.000+01:00

On Tuesday (29th) we had our first session of Counselling Skills and Process. Again, we were issued and taken through a module handbook. I think this is the module I will enjoy the most, as we have the opportunity to put our skills in to practice in the afternoon.

We were told about confidentiality in the skills practice sessions and it was highlighted to us that these sessions are live and not role played sessions. In the afternoon, the skills groups met and discussed guidelines that we should adhere to (a contract). This sets out the behaviour that is not accepted within the sessions, ground rules and rules on confidentiality.

Humanistic Theories - An introduction

2009-10-03T15:00:00.001+01:00

On Monday (28th September) at 9:00 am, we had our first lecture of the Counselling Studies course - Humanistic Theory and Principles. The tutor introduced himself, we introduced each other and then we were introduced to 3 approaches of humanistics - gestalt, existentialism and person centred. I would like to explain what each one is, but I can't at the moment as I havn't got a scooby.

We were issued with the module handbook and taken through it. The first thing we have to do is a 23-30 minute presentation on an artist who was influenced by humanistics. Harder than it sounds to resource, but I (well, my support worker) came up with Da Vinci.

Freedom Friday - I made it to the end

2009-09-25T19:06:00.000+01:00

Oh well! Friday (25th September) is now here and I have successfully made it through the first part of Fresher's Week. I went to see if I had any post at the Student Union building this morning. My Disabled Persons Railcard has arrived-yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!! This means I can now travel for a 3rd less than it would usually cost me and a companion can travel for the same price.

I was going to take my camera in to the centre to take some photos on the way to the station but it is overcast today, so I haven't bothered. After a nice cuppa, I headed off for home. I don't need to be back in whilst Monday morning so can travel back whenever it takes my fancy on Sunday.

All in all, the week hasn't been too bad I suppose. The canteen is shut at weekends, the food is expensive but I have found a way to get a free dinner-haha! I have started to talk to people, especially staff. I have bought a guitar to keep me occupied and I eventually made it to the bar. Perhaps the newness of University doesn't seem so bad after all.

I also discovered that the Student Union shop is pretty reasonably priced. A ream of paper in the city centre (from a shop that used to be quite good under its previous branding) is £5.49. A better quality ream from the SU shop is only £4.50 - result!!!! I did find a ream in the city for £3.99 from a huge named chain, but you have to walk further to get it for that price-haha!!!

I am looking forward to starting my lectures on Monday and getting to know the other students on my course. As you may (or may not) know, my memory is terrible. It may be easier to start making friends with the people on my course first rather than trying to jump in the big pool.

Talent Thursday

2009-09-25T13:42:00.001+01:00

Thursday (24th September) started off strange. I set the alarm clock for 7:30 in the belief that I had a session at 9:00. After breakfast, I sat waiting for the Support Worker..............but nobody came. After speaking to Wendy, I learnt that my session wasn't until 10:00-haha!

This session was to establish who are Accademic Tutors were. My AT is a guy called David Jones, who is a practising counsellor that works part time at the University (I think I have that right). We were then split up in to our accademic groups and were asked to discuss what we expected from our AT. Our group decided that we should have guidance, support, money, hugs and chocolate-haha!

We then had to write a letter to ourselves explaining how we felt and how what we expected to achieve in 3 years time. The letter was sealed in an envelope and given to the AT's for presentation in 3 years, so we could look back and reflect upon what we will have achieved.

After the session, we went for a coffee and then I wandered in to town.........again! As I was approaching Monk Bar (or whatever it is called), I saw a shop that sells second hand and new stuff. They sell everything I think, even musical instruments. I wandered in an took a fancy to a semi accoustic guitar. It turns out (I later found out in a music shop in the city) that the guitar was only an inexpensive make (rather like Encore).

After wandering around aimlessley for a few hours, I wandered back to the shop and had another look at the guitars (I had set my mind on buying one at this point, as I was bored in my room without a computer). I got the manageress to help me look and came across a Tanglewood electro accoustic at £179.99. I got it down and played a bit and it sounded really nice. The strings were a bit shitty compared to what I am used to, but it was ok..................So I bought it and got a second hand padded case for free. My neighbours will be pleased-haha!

Later that evening, I ventured in to the Student Union Bar (Archie's) for the very first time. They were holding a St John's Got Talent night so I thought I would have a go. I sang 'The Summer Walkers' by Runrig and got a free drink just for entering.............how cool is that? The judges (President and 2 Vice Presidents) said I had confidence and talent to pull off a song without music and I did well to engage the audience too (which made me go all shy). The best part of the evening was getting Koppaberg Pear Cider for £2.85 a bottle - come on!!!!

Welcome Wednesday - The fresher's fair

2009-09-25T13:23:00.001+01:00

I awoke early on Wednesday (23rd September) in order to get back to University for the Fresher's Fair. I arrived in plenty of time for the 10am opening and went in through the open fire doors to the sports hall. I can't say I was overly impressed really, the freebie clothes were too small for me and the rest was just junk (badges, pens and shit like that).

As I was leaving (back through the fire doors), I noticed a queue at the bottom. Turns out that I should have been in that as the event hadn't opened yet-haha! I went to drop my additional case (with more tee shirts) off and then wandered in to the city centre to look around the shops.

The rest of the day didn't involve much really, just eating and sleeping really-haha!

Tired Tuesday

2009-09-25T13:12:00.000+01:00

After another restless night, I was feeling somewhat tired. Nonetheless, I met my Support Worker after breakfast and then went to the morning session. This session was an introduction to the schedule of modules and elective modules coverd in the course. We have to select our elective module online. In fact, more or less everything at St John is done online.

After the morning session, my Support Worker and I went to check that I had enrolled fully before going for a coffee. He is a top bloke and a good laugh. I quickly felt comfortable with him and am going to Wendy if I could possible have him as one of my permanent Support Workers.

I came home for the appointment I had with the DWP Medical Centre. I was a bit anxious about it but had not included the benefit in any University plans I had made. On the way to the Medical Centre, I popped to see my friend on the fat man's stall (as I call it, because it does larger sizes) on the market. I ended up buying another 3 tees and she let me have another for free. She is a lovely lady :). I don't want to tempt fate by analysing how the assessment went, so I will leave it there.

After grabbing a sandwich and a pasty, I then went home to enjoy the rest of the day and evening in the comfort of my own surroundings.

Fresher's Week - It all starts here!

2009-09-22T15:01:00.004+01:00

Monday 21st September was the first real day of Fresher's Week (which is actually a fortnight). Unfortunately, I awoke at around 6:45am after a somewhat restless, but quiet, night. After getting dressed, I made a nice cup of tea and ventured outside. I ended up sitting at the traffic lights at the junction of Lord Mayor's Walk/Gillygate and watched the early morning traffic go by.

By 7:50am I was becoming rather bored and dreaded to think how much breakfast would be in the grossly overpriced canteen, so I wandered in to the city centre and found myself a nice, big, freshly made bacon sandwich and cup of tea.

After spending an hour or so in the town, watching them set up the market etc, I wandered back to Uni'. One of the Disability Support Team recognised me and talked to me for a few minutes. It was nice to see someone I recognised and felt comfortable with.

I then went to enrol and confirm my financial status so that I could get my ID card and be fully registered as a student in order to receive funding from Student Finance England. I was supposed to do this session on Tuesday afternoon, but I have to return home for an appointment after the morning session.

Later that day, I met my allocated Support Worker and we went for a coffee and a chat before going to my first compulsory session. He is a really nice guy and gave me lots of tips and guidance. He used to be a student at York St John himself but has been working with the Disability Services Team for 4 years now.

In the first session, I experienced what it was going to be like on the Counselling Degree and we took part in some ice-breaker exercises. It seemed a bit much to take in and I can hardly remember all of it, but I do have the notes to look back on.

Again, I couldn't bring myself to go to the bar or follow the students on to a nighclub so spent the evening in my room. I did get really bored at one stage and ventured out in search of Sainsbury's, but counldn't find it. I did find a Morrisons, but it had just shut. I then ventured through the city centre, round the Minster and up Gillygate back to the Uni'. I did find a pizza shop on Gillygate, so endulged to make myself feel a bit better.

The Day of Reckoning - The move to university

2009-09-22T14:45:00.003+01:00

It wass Sunday 20th September and today was the day I finally wnt to University. I felt quite comfortable and confident, surprisingly. However, this was just a false sense of security though and my true feelings were revealed to me at University.

I had packed all the stuff I though I would need (enough to get me by anywho) and was just waiting for one of my mates to come pick me up. As I had been allocated a checking in time of between 12pm and 2pm, I left it to my mate to decide when he wanted to pick me up.

It took us just over an hour to drive from Doncaster to York. After checking in and getting my key, we unloaded the car and I showed my mate the room that was to be my home the next 12 months (at least). All in all it is a pretty good sized room (between 9 and 11 foot I'd say). We just dumped my stuff and then we went for a drink.

As we were sat having a drink in on of the coffee shops, someone who added me as facebook friend recognised me and came to say hello. That was a really nice feeling and took courage to do. Courage which I had not found yet. It was really nice to meet for the first time :).

After my mate left, I started to feel a bit lonely and empty. Boredom quickly set in too as I have not got a PC in my room yet (due to the slowness of Student Finance). Just then, like a saviour, the Disability Services Manager appeared to see how I was settling in and to inform me that she had arranged for a Support Worker to be with me during the compulsory sessions of Fresher's Week.

I then did venture out to have a late dinner but was shocked to discover that I had to pay extra (above the allocated £5 a day included in the rent) for a pork lunch and a bottle of Oasis. The total cost was £6.45.

At 7pm that evening, we (grouped by halls of rresidence) went to one of the larger (if not the largest) lecture halls to be formally welcomed, introduced to the Students Union Sabatical Officers and to discover the accommodation rules, regs' and health and safety. I did get an opportunity to speak with the Education and Welfare Officer of the SU, and expressed my concerns over the cost of the food and under-allocation of meal vouchers. She said that it had been brought to her attention and that she had made it a top priority. After the session, most students went to their first experience of the SU bar. Still being anxious though, I decided to go back to my room.

The Final Day - An afternoon of refreshment

2009-09-20T08:04:00.000+01:00

Yesterday (Saturday 18th September 2009), I had pre-arranged to meet a good friend for some heavy refreshment in The Salutatation in Doncaster. The Salutation is a real ale pub that is close enough to the town centre without having the intrusion of the people who just want to get trollied that you get in town on a regular evening.

I met my buddy at 12 noon and we started supping our regular, Koppaberg Pear Cider. However, this soon ran out and we had to move on to Magners Pear Cider. Now there is only so much Magners you can drink before you float away from all the gas, so we moved on to Black Bushmills.

During the course of the afternoon, my Sister dropped in to give me a 'good luck' card, which was really nice and totally unexpected. It was lovely to see and chat to her. We are a pretty close family (unless we are falling out-haha). She stayed for a couple of drinks before she went shopping, but she left a tenner for a round-waayhaay!!!!

The day was lovely. A bit of cloud, but the sun was shining and it was warm. After my mate departed in the early evening, I had a couple more Bushmills, a couple of pints of Hobgoblin and a chat with one of the regulars before going home in a somewhat slightly inibriated condition-haha! A good day in all and a memorable final day in Doncaster. Cheers to all, slainte!

Going to University - York St. John

2009-09-18T00:00:00.000+01:00

After successfully gaining a place at York St. John, the time has now come to move on to another part of the quest to satisfy my thirst for knowledge. I move to York on Sunday (19th September 2009). I have packed my case with everthing I need, have replenished my stocks of stationery and am ready to embark on the next leg.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't feeling anxious about this new step in my life. However, after all I have achieved so far, I would be a fool to allow these feelings to rule me. I will move forward with the skills I have gained from Northern College, the confidence and positivity I have worked so hard for in the last 2 years and the passion, desire and hunger to learn more.

I 'will' succeed for myself, for Northern College and for my friends. Most importantly, I will succeed for those people who I could potential help with the new found skills of a Counselling degree.

Personal Statement - Preapring to move on

2009-09-17T22:58:00.001+01:00

I volunteered for a disabled people’s charity and was coaxed into contacting John Rowley – Additional Support Officer – at Northern College. I attended college in January 2008 to partake confidence building and assertiveness course, which proved very fruitful in my personal development. From that day onwards, I found that I longed to pursue inner fulfilment and found the desire to discover more about the way my thought processes work, how I react, how my actions affect others and how their actions affect me. Since January 2008, I have completed numerous self-development and academic short courses at Northern College and have enrolled on an access to higher education diploma in social sciences.

I am enthusiastic and passionate about the Counselling & Helping Skills module on the diploma programme. It’s a subject that is close to my heart and there is a lot I could learn more about. I have a natural ability to help and support people, and I get a sense of joy when I do so. I would like to further my knowledge to benefit not only myself, but to benefit others also.

Studying IT Essentials offered me the opportunity to maintain, repair and diagnose my own computer and provided me with skills necessary to help others. The Social Sciences diploma has extended my knowledge in the field of helping and supporting people. Academic skills sessions have helped me learn academic conventions and standards for creating notes, essay plans and essays and provided me with the knowledge to structure an essay that is informative and interesting to the reader. It has also provided me with the skills needed to undertake a successful research project to aid in accomplishing requirements set down by my tutors.

Ideally, I would like to gain employment in a support environment such as health, social work or counselling work. I have worked in environments where I have supported others. Most recently, this was as Administration Officer for a funded community regeneration partnership. Although my main role was administration, I had the opportunity to interact with members of the community at open days, drop-in sessions and door to door visits. I also had the opportunity to work with people on a higher level by attending Council meetings, events and training sessions. I took minutes for these meeting and was also asked to take minutes for external meetings because my minutes were of such a high standard and very informative without containing irrelevant information. I am a responsible person, but don’t take myself too seriously. I was given the responsibility of being a key holder for the organisation and I was the trained first aider.

I volunteer for a disabled person’s charity in Doncaster, where I interact with people on a daily basis both in person and over the telephone. I am the volunteer coordinator and it is my role to ensure that the volunteers are doing the job they are required to do whilst ensuring that they are happy and receiving the training they need. I hold regular chats with the volunteers to ensure that they are happy about the way I am managing them, they are happy about the work they are doing, they are happy about the organisation and to ask what suggestions they have to improve things or what training they would like.

The greatest achievement in my life has attaining a place on the diploma programme. The diploma programme itself has given me achievement opportunities; I have been able to socially interact successfully with fellow students and tutors, I have been able to request help and support when I need it and my confidence has increased immensely.

Other achievements I have accomplished include learning the basics of playing guitar, writing and composing some of my own songs and feeling a sense of satisfaction that friends and family have taken comfort in those songs.

I am visually impaired and need additional support. I am blind in my left eye and partially sighted in my right. I received exceptional support at northern college, and would not have made it this without it.

I still suffer from depression, on medication, but I’m confident, stronger and positive than I have ever been. The diploma programme has added to this.

My Learning Experience - Northern College

2009-09-17T22:34:00.001+01:00

Before starting at northern college, I had been volunteering as a volunteer coordinator for a disabled people’s charity in Doncaster. I had undertaken a number of short courses at northern college and had been preparing myself for the diploma programme. 4 weeks ago (28th September 2008), I started the diploma programme with little expectation of what I wanted to achieve at the end of it, except that I am interested in working in a supportive environment. I was nervous but had spent so much time in building myself up for this; I was not going to let it hinder my chances of something better.

The first 4 weeks of the programme provided us with an opportunity to academically prepare for the course. We learnt how to take notes effectively, how to prepare an essay plan and how to write the essay. We also learnt how to reference properly and create a bibliography. We were also given the opportunity to develop, or gain, some IT skills and skills on how to effectively make use of the library and learning resource centre. All these skills play a vital part in the diploma programme and, although difficult to grasp, I am grateful that I have been taught them.

The first semester has now started and I already feel nervous. I had social policy on Monday morning and it has just blown me away. I had academic skills in the afternoon, which came like a breath of fresh air. In academic skills, we have to undertake some research around a specific project title, chose an appropriate topic to base it on and then present the findings and conclusion in a 5-8 minute long oral presentation. I have chosen the project of ‘The influences of popular culture of:’ and have chosen the topic ‘Runrig’s influence on either Gaelic or Scottish culture’.

I hope, as the course content broadens, that I am able to keep on top of the work and that I discover some kind of organisational system that suits me. I feel that I am at the stage where I can tackle the course content with some kind of academic approach, but I know that the support is there should I need to use it. As time goes on, it is hoped that I become more fluent in the academic style or writing, reading and note taking and can use these skills to produce quality work.

I would like to develop on all my skills, especially referencing and bibliography. My memory is atrocious and I need to be able to do something a few times before it begins to set in. I would also like to develop my skills on reading. Being visually impaired, I find it difficult to read at the best of times but am conscious of the fact that reading for essay content may also take a vast amount of time.

I would like to develop a method of reading using the equipment I have and advance on the knowledge I have picked up around note taking and essay skills. I am hoping that the additional workshops will allow me to pick up skills that I may have missed in the lectures and identify new methods of learning. Peer support is also vital to learning, and I hope that I can offer as much to fellow students as I can gain from them.