Categories: uncategorized
Date: 06 March 2005 21:53:11
An actual update, which I think I have been meaning to write for at least a week. Though because its been sitting in my head for that long, it may be more of a random (long) list of events.
Well, first I guess should be SCM weekend, last weekend. Um, what to say? So many things, so glad I went, so much to take in (still am doing). Workshops which made me think, knowing that even though you are only one person you can make a difference, worship which was thought-provoking and relaxing. Learning, in a different way from the routine of lectures and coursework, learning about the world and its people, and God's plans for them. And people, so many people, most of whom I'd never met but felt I knew by the time I left, embodying the saying that strangers are friends we don't know yet! The amazing feeling of being able to walk into a room, with any group of people, and know you can join in a conversation, or start another, without worrying about being accepted or included. Rare, and therefore so much more valuable. And so hard to come down from that atmosphere, that feeling of community, to the real, everyday world where lectures and timetables dictate what and when.
And then, this week. Hmm. The coordination (or lack of) saga continues. This week the list of project titles came out, which I (we) have been waiting for with baited breath. Well, there were lots of possibilites. If you're interested in small mammals, jellyfish or computer modelling (I don't think that one's particularly popular!!!). However, very little, or none in fact, which are in any way related to plants. Hmm. I don't know if I'm being picky, but I was certain that biology as a discipline was made up of a combination of zoology and botany. And, since this is an environmental biology degree, it wouldn't be too much to ask a reasonable choice of both subjects for the project that's worth about a third of the degree. Would it?
Sorry for ranting. This has annoyed me just a little. But, on the positive side, I have been talking to a nice lady from the Coutryside Council for Wales who's lecturing us at the moment and may be able to help me. I'm going to talk to her tomorrow and see what she's found out. And there are other options. So, despite the fact that the department is hopeless I will manage this anyway. I'm not going to let them tell me that I can't do it, there must be a way. Any spare prayers and good thoughts in this direction would be appreciated while I'm trying to sort this out.
This Friday we had a visit to the Environment Centre in Swansea. This is an amazing place which runs and hosts all sorts of environmental groups and forums, and has its own fairtrade shop! Its heaven! And I found out about all the projects they run/are involved in, and I'm getting really excited about all the things I can get involved in when I have a bit more time. This is my plan for 'after I finish being a student', to get a fair bit of voluntary work under my belt as experience for jobs. And it would be great fun too! Who knows, some time soon I may achieve my ambition, to have a job that I enjoy, and can look forward to going to without spending every day wishing for the weekend.
We now have two weeks of term left. That's just two weeks of structured, timetabled study with lectures and coursework. Ever. Or if not for ever, at least for the foreseable future (if I can help it!). After the Easter break, and exams, we start the project (fingers crossed), which will be nice to work to my own schedule and plan my own time. And do something I enjoy. In these two weeks though, I have a fair amount of work to do. So I may be either not posting much, or posting lots as avoidance tactics/stress relief! We shall see. For now though, I think I have rambled enough even for a ramblin' folkie! And that said, I shall leave you in peace x