{"id":973,"date":"2017-12-20T13:12:32","date_gmt":"2017-12-20T13:12:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/copyright.lboro.ac.uk\/international\/?p=973"},"modified":"2017-12-20T13:19:10","modified_gmt":"2017-12-20T13:19:10","slug":"davids-final-blog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lboro.ac.uk\/international\/postgraduate\/davids-final-blog\/","title":{"rendered":"Finishing strong, looking back, and staying optimistic"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s official. We\u2019ve 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\u2019s 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\u2019d do it all again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Christmas is here \u2013 time to celebrate<\/b><\/h2>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"David<\/h2>\n

Reminiscing \u2013 fond memories<\/b><\/h2>\n

Like I stated earlier, it\u2019s been a learning curve for me, in that I have learned to do things I haven\u2019t tried before, met wonderful people and family, and it\u2019s shaping to be the best Christmas for as long as I can remember. I\u2019ve 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\u2019re continually inspired, or be an inspiration, is something I will always cherish. I can look back at 2017, and say proudly it\u2019s been a wonderful year, all things considered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"David<\/h2>\n

What lies ahead<\/b><\/h2>\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n

There are obviously a lot of personal goals which I\u2019m 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\u2019s all we\u2019ve 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"David<\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again, Merry Christmas and have a wonderful 2018.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s been my absolute pleasure to pen these words over the past 12 months.<\/span><\/p>\n

David<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s official. We\u2019ve 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. 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