Finishing strong, looking back, and staying optimistic
It’s official. We’ve come to the end of the year but it still feels like yesterday when I started blogging about my activities as a research student wandering through Loughborough and its environs, meeting lovely people, and carrying out wonderful activities along the way. It’s been an awesome time, trying something new and different, and enjoying what this year has churned up. There have been ups and downs, but a wonderful experience along the way. Looking back, I’d do it all again.
Christmas is here – time to celebrate
At this point, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and all the best of what the festive season has to offer. It’s starting to feel Christmassy with all the activities that make it a special occasion, already in full swing. As this happens to be my last blog, I would also like to wish all students preparing for their first semester exams in January 2018 all the very best. Go out there and smash it. You are awesome, especially to the first and third-year students I have had the privilege of teaching in the labs or tutorial classes. Also, a happy 2018 awaits everyone, but before then, I intend to finish this year as strong and effective as possible.
Reminiscing – fond memories
Like I stated earlier, it’s been a learning curve for me, in that I have learned to do things I haven’t tried before, met wonderful people and family, and it’s shaping to be the best Christmas for as long as I can remember. I’ve had to push aside disappointments, as I believe every experience is and has been educational. I have interacted with beautiful minds, which has been made possible by the opportunities at Loughborough University. For this, I will always be grateful. To live in a wonderful environment where you’re continually inspired, or be an inspiration, is something I will always cherish. I can look back at 2017, and say proudly it’s been a wonderful year, all things considered.
What lies ahead
I have made it a personal goal not to have new year resolutions, but set attainable goals in a short period of time, and look back to see how much I have achieved. 2018 for me is going to be big, as I will achieve confirmation for my PhD, and everything else will be a bonus.
There are obviously a lot of personal goals which I’m sure I will meet, as I have been making strides to attain them. I do encourage everyone to make resolutions, not just at the turn of the year, but short personal ones that can be evaluated from time to time. It could be as simple as making a small contribution to make the planet greener. It’s all we’ve got. I also have this philosophy of making everyone I meet feel much better than I met them. It might be through simple things such as a smile, or joke, just to lift their spirits. Not everyone will have a cause to celebrate during this festive season due to memories (bad). I am talking from my own personal experience, but little deeds go a long way in making a huge difference to these people.
All I can say is Loughborough University and the community has brought me so much joy, and the least I can do is spread the cheers, especially to people in need of it. I suggest we all do the same.
Once again, Merry Christmas and have a wonderful 2018.
It’s been my absolute pleasure to pen these words over the past 12 months.
David
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