Assignments - Fighting the urge to Procrastinate!

We are currently working on our first graded assignment for this year, and we all feel the pressure because we understand that this year the grades we achieve determine the overall degree classification. With this in mind, I have worked a little harder to ensure I am more organised and prepared ahead of the deadline. 

I know I am not the only student who has to work hard to fight the urge to procrastinate...I transform into a domestic goddess and find myself doing housework of taking up baking. Just this afternoon I was very determined to sit with my books and do more research into my topic area, and before I knew it I had face planted my text book and was having a nap. 

The thing is, I am tired. REALLY tired. I had no break between finishing year 1 and starting year 2 due to my circumstances and I was just thrown back into university routine. Now my sleep is not only interrupted by my children, the dog, the neighbours dog, my irrational fears and my husbands habit of stealing the duvet but my assignments wake me up periodically throughout the night. I seem to become a genius in my sleep and I find myself writing my essay in my sleep, I then have to get up and write it down before it is lost! I had a really good idea earlier that has left me smirking quietly inside because ideas like this really don't come easily to me. 

As part of putting my past to rest, I am going to allow myself to celebrate this small victory! I've so much to look forward to right now and I am very excited about my future!

It's all about me, myself and my journey

My Background

I've not always wanted to be a midwife, in fact, I was certain I wanted to be a doctor or paramedic whilst growing up. I realised I was not going to have the intelligence and school grades to become a doctor so I had pinned my hopes on becoming a paramedic. The reality was that I actually became a young mother and young wife. 

All of my plans were set aside and I raised my young children, I focused on being the best mother I could and prove people wrong about young mothers. The idea of midwifery entered my thoughts after having my first baby and the relationship I formed with my community midwives blossomed. I wanted to be that support for women, I wanted to understand the incredible ability we have to reproduce and give birth. The hunger to do this grew stronger each year and as I learnt more about the process of pregnancy and birth I was focused on my long term goal to become a midwife.

I didn't have the qualifications to go straight into university, so I researched my options and decided to embark on an Access to Higher Education course. This is where I really found my stride and for the first time ever, I enjoyed being a student. I achieved the highest grades I have ever had and left with more than enough distinctions to meet the entry requirements for universities. I felt proud that I had achieved this, and nervous about the next step which was applying to the universities to study midwifery.

The first application was unsuccessful and my confidence was shaken. It wasn't long before I understood why I hadn't got an interview and I worked hard on making my application stand out for the next time. I was so excited to receive an interview and I guess I wanted it so much that my nerves got the better of me and I failed to portray myself how I had anticipated. I didn't get an offer this time, I was angry at myself. 

As a stubborn Capricorn, I refused to give up on my dreams and my career so I said I would give it one last punt. As I nervously submitted my application to the universities (I used more choices this time in desperation), I began the nervous wait for news. I received some invitations to interview but I was elated that my first choice had also invited me for another chance to shine. Shine I did, I was not having another rejection and I left happy that I had done everything I possibly could.

An offer came through for my place on the course and from my first choice. I cried and screamed in total shock and disbelief...I am going to be a midwife.

1st Year

My first year has been rocky, I have had a really shaky start with a house move, a spell of really bad health and some issues with placements that knocked my confidence and made me re-think everything.

I am pleased to say, despite all of this, I am clawing my way back and I am now a year 2 student midwife! I am humbled to have been present to meet many new lives enter the world, and I've seen many interesting and scary things too. 

At this moment in time, I am working to put the first year behind me and focus on the bigger picture...I cannot believe how quickly this course is ticking by. I still can't quite believe I am living this!