University Life Update

Considering I haven't written a post in quite a while, I thought I'd give whoever still reads this a bit of an update.

So last year was my first year doing Zoology at LJMU and I loved every single second of it. My modules included: Fundamentals of Scientific Research, Habitats and Species, Genetics and Evolution, Animal Physiology and Ecology and Behaviour. My favourite of the five was probably Ecology and Behaviour (I really enjoyed the behaviour side of the course) and my least favourite was Genetics and Evolution (we had to learn about fossils and I didn't find some aspects of that overly interesting). 

I'm known for being a bit of a swat and last year I probably over-revised and managed to pass the year with a first (I really wish first year counted towards my degree because it seems a shame to be wasting that first, but oh well). 

This year counts towards 25% of the degree, which sounds slightly daunting. My modules include three compulsory modules (Animal Evolution and Diversity, Comparative Animal Physiology and Research Skills and Employability) and two modules which I chose to study (Wildlife Forensics and Animal Field Skills). This year (we're already six weeks in) is a lot more full on than first year. Despite this, I'm loving all my modules, even though we're expected to act as proper students now (doing extra reading, going to the library, etc.). 

I only had one regret from first year and that was not making the most of socials with Lacrosse, so this year I vowed to go to as many socials as I could (without them getting in the way of uni work) and taking part in matches. However, I have managed to mess up my knee and probably won't be able to play for the rest of the year! I've got my fingers crossed this isn't the case and I'm hoping I'll find out exactly what's wrong next Thursday at my doctors appointment. 

Here are a few photos from the year so far:

My Thoughts...

Okay so this post has nothing to do with my blog, but one of my best friends was interviewed by CNN about her Tourette's and I just wanted to post it here because I'm ridiculously proud of her!

http://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/15/health/tourettes-vlog-katy-gough-turning-points/index.html?eref=rss_us 

Results

Yesterday I got my A-Level results, which decided where I'd be going to or where I wouldn't be going to university. 

After waking up very disorientated, I looked at UCAS Track, which led to a mixture of emotions. I had been confirmed a place at my insurance choice: Liverpool John Moores University.

To begin with I wasn't sure whether I was happy about this, but decided to get into school to have a look at my results and talk to teachers to discuss my options. 

I got a B in my EPQ, a B in Biology, a C in German and a C in Geography. However, I was 1 mark off a B in Geography and 3 marks off a B in German, so I've decided to have these remarked. 

My teachers were all incredibly useful (as per usual) and were very willing to speak to me about my options, what they considered would be the best option for me and what to do next, after I'd made my decision to confirm my place at LJMU. I don't think I'd be feeling quite as confident about my decision without their support and encouragement.

So now I have to book accommodation, re-sort my student finance, disabled student's allowance and register online, among many other tasks to make sure that I'm as prepared as possible for my moving in weekend which is in September. Of course I'm very nervous (and slightly stressed) but also incredibly excited to start a course, which I'm fascinated by, and meet some amazing people who share my love for animals! Here's to the future!

Exams: Finished

I've finished exams!

Which, for me, means going to the farm, watching TV, reading books and holidays!

We did it!

Exams: The End is Nigh

3 exams down and 5 to go!

I've managed to get through all of my AS resits, which I feel like have gone better than last year (I hope it's not bad luck to say that!).

Now on to the A2 exams... to say that I'm nervous, would be an understatement. But the end is now within our reach, so let's keep going!

Good luck everyone!

Lacking Motivation

After doing 6 hours of revision a day for the past 2 weeks, I've lost my motivation. 

I don't know whether this is because I can't see the end or because I haven't actually given myself a chance to stop and give myself a breather. 

Because of this I gave myself the day off yesterday and have lightened the load of revision for today, so that I can sit, read and have some time off. 

We're only human, therefore it's okay to lack motivation sometimes. But to keep us going let's think of how proud of ourselves we'll feel when we do well in our exams!

Revision

It's coming up to that dreaded time of year again and unfortunately we can't just hide under the duvet and pretend it's not going to arrive (I really wish we could though). 

I thought I should tell you how I'm planning to get through my 3 week long Easter revision period. 

I'm attempting to get up quite early, 7:30am to be exact (and trust me it's a struggle), so that I can get a walk in before revision starts. I thought that getting into the fresh air, and doing some exercise, might "blow the cobwebs away" and motivate me for the day ahead. 

Following my walk I have breakfast, sometimes just cereal or, if I have a bit more time, a cooked breakfast! I then start working (I won't tell you my whole timetable or we'll be here all day!) I take regular breaks between my hour sessions to hydrate myself and refresh myself. I have an hour for lunch where I can go outside or watch some TV, but most importantly eat!

The main reason for me starting revision so early, is so that I can have my evenings free to spend with my family, boyfriend and friends. I think it's important to have some time in the day not doing much, or you'd most likely go insane and start shouting random facts at people (please say I'm not the only one who does that...)

I hope you all have a very productive Easter holiday, but also get some time out to spend with family and friends!

Here's a happy elephant to make you smile during this tedious time of year!