Wings and the World

So September has always been synonymous with education, whether that be advancing to the next school year or venturing further afield into the next academic venue. From primary, to secondary, to sixth form, to university, this has been the path many have travelled, including myself. Until now.

For me, September of 2021 is the milestone where I leave education behind (at least for now, as I could potentially decide to embark on a PHD in the future) and I am let loose into both the writing and adulting world. It’s scary, exciting and hopeful all at the same time. I’ve so many plans and finally the freedom to set them in motion, both in terms of my personal, career and writing life and I am feeling more inspired than I have in a very long time. I can’t wait to see what happens and to take this blog along with me, even potentially expanding the site with new areas too! For now, let’s reflect on all the events of this month…

First, as many of you would have seen on my Instagram, I was finally able to graduate from my undergraduate BA (Hons) English course - and to officially celebrate the first class achievement I am incredibly proud of - on the 7th of September. Amongst the heat of the fluke British summer, me and my fellow class of 2020 donned our caps and gowns, dresses and suits and sat under the beauty of Lincoln Cathedral to celebrate our success. The ceremony was truly inspirational, especially with the university staff’s reflective mentions of the progress we made completing our studies in a pandemic. It was especially lovely to see all my friends and course mates and to catch up on all we have been doing over the past year. It was emotional, motivational and beautiful, the perfect send off to receive closure to that course and that part of our lives. Below is just a sample of the many photographs taken that day, as well as the University’s official coverage - keep an eye out at 16:58 to recognise someone familiar!
(The below link belongs to the University of Lincoln)

Sticking with the university theme, the next achieved goal is the official submission of my dissertation and, with it, the completion of my MA. Despite spending the entire duration of my degree online, I have greatly enjoyed the course and I feel incredibly grateful for all the work my fellow course mates and the university lecturers have put in to make the year worth it. We all had an amazing time and I am extremely excited to venture into the life of a writer after all I have learnt from this course. My dissertation has been taxing at times but remains incredibly enjoyable and a big achievement which I am immensely proud of. I even have potential avenues open for me to embark on possible publication opportunities which I shall bear in mind as I finish the novella, so be sure to come back for updates! I simply cannot wait to graduate again and to, finally, meet my course mates beyond a screen!

Such a completion marks the end of my time at university. There have been highs and lows but each are amazing and precious memories which have helped me thrive and grow as a person. After four years I feel more confident in my aspirations as well as within myself and I look ahead with a great fondness for what comes my way. I can’t wait to take you along with me!

This is where I leave the entry for this month. The past few weeks have resulted in quite the emotional journey but I feel all the better and invigorated for it! It is onwards and upwards from here where I stand, the winged arms of a writer held wide, ready to embrace the lift that writing brings me. In just a couple of weeks I’ll be a whole year older and my professional life will truly begin. Let’s do this!

Until next time,

Emily