*DISCLAIMER: I want to start by reassuring you all that the only way is up. This whole process is VERY alien to me- this time last year I never thought I'd be getting ready to document a year of my life for public consumption, let alone preparing for a year's placement in sun-soaked Andalusia, and I'm not sure which makes me more nervous! But rest assured I will get better! Bearing this in mind, you may proceed...*
Flights are booked, the flat is reserved. After two entertaining and successful years at NTU, the main event is officially upon us: the Year Abroad, the business-end of any language degree. I'm getting used to gearing up for a big challenge at this time of year: two years ago I was getting ready to start university. This time last year I was deep into training to run my first marathon at the end of October- you may have heard about that! Now I'm sitting in front of my screen, trying to come up with vaguely stimulating topics to encourage people to read about, all the while preparing to move to Spain for a year, to teach English to hyperactive primary school kids... can I do that marathon again please??!
More seriously though, I do believe challenges of any kind are there to be embraced. Many of you may know I'm a sucker for bucket lists. I'm constantly finding new things which I think would be fun to do- famous examples include travelling to Australia (done), completing a marathon (done, there it is again!) and joining The Avengers (wanted that since I was 4, I'm still hopeful!). Moving to Granada, by contrast, feels like a guilty bonus as this time last year I hadn't decided whether to go or not- I'm notoriously indecisive, and hadn't made up my mind completely until early December 2014. Even then though, I'd highlighted Andalusia as my preferred region, so to learn at the end of May that I'd be off there was an ok moment!
On that note, over the next fortnight I'm going to sit down and come up with an Andaluz-Year To-Do List, which will feature in the next blog. Until then, it's all about planning lessons, getting in touch with other assistants based in Granada and rounding off preparations.
It's also difficult to not look back misty-eyed on the last two years in Notts, and even further to when I first started learning Spanish 7 years ago on the basis that I support a Spanish football team (Barcelona, for any who don't know). Compared to the journey my classmates and I are about to embark upon, everything up to now seems like child's play, but stepping out of your comfort zone is always the best way to grow. I guess the key message of this first blog post is to Dream Big and be motivated. Over the last 3 years I've massively surprised myself- I never thought I'd be halfway towards a 2:1, having previously travelled to the other side of the world and back alone, and having completed a 26.2 mile race in under 4 hours (did you hear about that by any chance?).
With that in mind, I'd say to anyone thinking of trying anything different: do it! It doesn't have to be a languages degree (although that's always a very good idea, take it from me!) or some crazy feat of physical endeavour (ditto)- just one example would be yours truly starting a blog for the first time. All I'd say is don't procrastinate and expect things to fall into your lap, whether that's on the academic, social or athletic front, to name just a few. I'm always finding new areas to expand and enrich my experience, and that for me is how I see this coming year, as well as being a big contributor towards my final degree.
With luck, I'll be using the final post of this blog to review the most incredible year in Spain, having given my all to as many worthwhile pursuits as possible whilst out there. My time in Australia taught me just how gratifying it is to work in a school as a young member of staff, as well as introducing me to the worthwhile experience anyone can gain from travelling alone, whether that be for a full year, or just a month. I wouldn't have achieved as much as I feel I have during my first two years at University without it, and I certainly wouldn't feel prepared to take this next step. I'd say that this is the most important reason to keep an open mind- the potential payoff is huge!
‘Si tú sabes lo que vales, ve y consigue lo
que mereces.’- If you know
what you’re worth, go and get what you deserve.
