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Monday 21 October 2013

Education Young and Old || Monday Insights #6


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Good Monday to you! This is our last week of Monday Insights until the new year and so I will need to think up a new Monday feature! I'm finding myself speeding up in YouTube world, rushing about in home and family world but slowing a little in blog world (somethings gotta give!) so it will hopefully be something short and sweet to start the week off. Does that sound good to you?

If this is the first Monday Insights you have ever read and you don't understand what on earth is going on, click HERE for the original post explaining the whole shibang. 

This week our topic is-

Education Young and Old



When you were in secondary school what did you think you wanted to study when you got older?

I had no idea. I spent secondary school focused on my GCSE's and the social politics that goes with most schools (unfortunately). 


When you were doing your A Levels and GCSEs did you have any idea what you wanted to do when you were older? 

By A-Levels I had a bit more of an idea because I was doing Psychology as one of my choices and really enjoyed it so decided to carry it on at uni. At about 16 I decided I wanted to be a Councillor or Psychotherapist. 


How did you manage to cope with friendship breakdowns (if there were any), hormones and boys whilst trying to focus on work in exam years when at school/sixth form?

With great difficulty. I went to an all girls school so boys weren't really and issue but bitchy girls certainly were. There were about 5 girls in my class who I socialised with but were awful to me (and everyone else). They made me miserable on a daily basis and really pushed my self esteem down. Looking back I should have just walked away and been confident enough to spend lunchtimes alone but I foolishly chose crappy company over solitude. Their behaviour effected me so much during my GCSE's that I moved to a new school to do my A-Levels. 


How did you make new friends at Uni? Do you have to join lots of clubs and societies?

Making friends at Uni came really naturally because everyone was in the same boat. Everyone was new and everyone was looking to make friends. I joined clubs and societies but most of my friends came from living in Halls of Residence. 


What was Uni like for you when you just started? Was it hard to make friends and did you feel at all homesick?

Amazing. I felt an exhilarating sense of freedom and relished my new found responsibilities. I made friends with the people I lived with an although the first week was a bit tricky in terms of homesickness, I soon overcame it and settled in. My advice to have a great start would be not to say no to things because you don't feel up to them, but to push yourself out of your comfort zone a bit and go and do things. If you really hate them you can always say you feel poorly and go home.


Whilst you were at college/ uni did you ever get confused as to what you wanted to do and did you ever worry about the "big girl world" once you left? 

Yes, definitely, I think everyone did/does. It never worried me for too long though because I just thought, 'I'll cross that bridge when I get to it' and carried on enjoying what I was doing in that week. 


I had a bad time through secondary school and am now considering doing an adult learning course for GCSE's and A-Levels but most people say this is almost cheating, what are your thought on Adult learning courses to achieve A-Levels without going to college?

My thoughts are that they are fantastic. If you can stay in school and do your GCSE's or A-Levels then I would encourage you to take that route, but if you have already left the go for it. A friend of mine had a lot of home issues as a teenager and so missed a lot of her education. She has since gone on to have a daughter about Darcy's age, do her qualifications through adult learning and is now at university studying to be a midwife. 

I have also completed a few adult learning courses for recreation (they do all sorts, not just academic topics) and think they are a great option for people who want to do something extra. 


Did you enjoy university, and what were some of the best and also most challenging things about university?

I loved it. The best thing about it was the freedom to plan my own day without oppressive parents but the most challenging was budgeting and planning my money. I cut it pretty fine sometimes!


I'm in 9th grade now (I'm 15) and in 3 months I have to apply for 3 schools that I would like to go study at for 3 more years but in all honesty I'm so tired of everything that has anything to do with school that I don't know what to do. Any advice?

Firstly, you're not alone. Nobody skips through a decade or so of education and sings its praises the whole way through. There are times when it's a total slog. I'd say apply for schools and then if by the time it comes to actually going to them you really can't face it and you have made a well informed decision, don't do it. But, by then you might feel a bit better, might have spoken to more people and might decide it is the right option for you. Don't burn any bridges just yet. 


How did you decide what to study at university? What would you suggest for people like me who don't know what they want to do after school and are very anxious about finishing school because of this?

I didn't fully know what I wanted to do but I was leaning in the direction of Psychotherapist/listening to people. I really enjoyed Psychology and Biology in school so I picked those thinking they kind of fitted with my future plans. If I'm honest, I didn't give it as much thought as I should have but at 16 it's a huge task. Go with what makes you happy because you're the one that will be up at 2am finishing assignments. 


Would you recommend taking a gap year?

I'm didn't do one myself so it's hard to say. What I do know though is that if Darcy or my Sister wanted to take one in the future I would be really excited and supportive. I think if used properly they can really enrich your life and develop you as an individual. 


Do you have any tips for saving money when all you want to do is spend (how to budget during your school and uni life)??

Before I started uni my Dad and I sat down and made a spreadsheet of things I was likely to need money for. The obvious ones are food, socialising, travel, books etc but don't forget to include things like haircuts and birthday presents too. Try to stick to your budget by taking cash out each week and putting it in an envelope and only using what you have. So for example, if your £30 socialising envelope is empty by Thursday, don't be tempted to dip into your £40 food shopping envelope to cover it. You will live to regret little decisions like that! 


Now that you're out of school, do you ever find yourself missing learning and do you still find yourself learning new things each day?

When I first left I really missed learning and felt like my brain was dying a little bit. To combat this I did a couple of adult learning courses which I really enjoyed. Since then I have discovered blogging and the online world which keeps me thinking and makes me really happy. 


When does Darcy start school/nursery?

Darcy is due to start school in September 2015 and we are already looking at places we want to send her :)


Did you have a part time job when you were at Uni / would you recommend getting one to cover the living expenses? Did you have a timetable for Uni or where your lectures at different times every week?

You do get a set timetable each semester (term) and yes I did have a few little part time jobs. Have a job is great because it helps you earn a bit of money and keeps you afloat. At the time I resented missing out on a few social things but the financial benefit outweighed that and so yes, I would recommend looking for one. 


What was your most embarrassing high school memory?

Being in the changing rooms with my whole class after swimming and before I had put ANY clothes on, falling flat on my back infront of everyone. Serious cringe. 


How do you feel about the goverments new plans for education, and how this will effect Darcy?

This is absolutely a question for my Husband who is really into this sort of thing as he is a Teacher. I on the otherhand don't know enough about it to have a proper opinion but trust that the government usually want what's best for the nation. (And realise I might be the only person that thinks this haha). 


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And there ends the last Monday Insights of 2013. 

I hope you have enjoyed this series as much as I have. I really enjoy having a specific thing on a Monday and so will think of another soon. I think the next one will be a little less labour intensive though as I said, things are crazy town round here at the moment!

In the comments today, please do let me know what kind of blog posts you like to see the most because I can feel my inspiration dwindling and I want this to still be a fun place!

Toodlepip!

xx

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49 comments:

  1. Love this! I'm currently studying at Uni :)

    Carina
    http://www.carstina.com/

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  2. I'm in my first year of Uni now and I'm 24. I had no idea what I wanted to do until I bumped into a lady who had just spent six months teaching English in Japan and I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life. If you don't know yet don't stress! I didn't know what I wanted to do till I was 24!! Uni is expensive, don't waste your money on something you aren't sure you want :)

    Hayleigh xx
    www.after-the-vows.com

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  3. thank you so much for answering my question, this is really helpful considering i'm austrian and want to study in the uk! :) Thank you! x

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  4. Thank you for answering my question <3 xxx

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  5. Oh you were going so well until 'trust the government' part Louise hahaha. Michael Gove shouldn't be trusted, Matt will know that :') x

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  6. I loved this one! I would really like to read you telling a bit more about the youtube world. Like I know you go to the Youtube office and stuff, but how you decided this is your main job, besides being an awesome mummy, and what you actually do in the office etc would be interesting! Of course I understand if it is secret stuff ;) xx Or your first impressions of your fellow youtubers, and where they correct, would be funny! Even to it sounds more like a new video tag :D

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  7. Loved this post as I will finish school next June and will probably do a gap year and study afterwards. Thanks, it really helped me :) xxx

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  8. Do you feel nervous or excited that you'll be enrolling Darcy in school pretty soon?

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  9. Loved reading this, especially about your thoughts and experiences of Uni life! Thanks for sharing Louise! x

    holljc.blogspot.co.uk

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  10. Thanks for this, it was really interesting to read - I've just written a little post about leaving uni and the difficulty when you're job hunting which I know some people really struggle with :) did you go straight into blogging or did you ever do any other kind of work?
    Love your blog as ever! Cate xoxo

    The perks of being a hipster

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  11. I love your blog and your youtube! You are a huge inspiration and i can only wish to have a friendship like yours and Zoey's. Darcy is turning into a beautiful young woman and whenever i see you have done a video with her i am so happy. You are a wonderful person and i hope you have a lovely day xxx

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  12. Thanks a lot for this post! It is calming to see that I don't have to worry yet about uni, since my school makes it seem like we should have our future planned already, and I don't have a clue. I like school, but the stress it sometimes causes.... Have a nice day!!!!
    xxx

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  13. Ahhh, Matt's a teacher? ^_^ Awesome! A good read, certainly Mrs.Glitter. ;) xxx

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  14. I love your blog, you also seem like a really nice and helpful person! you are one of my favourite youtubers! x
    http://agapop1402.blogspot.co.uk/

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  15. I'm sat in the library at college and I just got stared at for chuckling at your embarrassing story (sorry!)
    I love reading your blog and you are one of my favourite youtubers as you never fail to make me smile, so thank you! :) xxx

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  16. I loved the series, thanks Louise :)! You are absolutely one of my favorite youtubers! Have a lovely day! xx

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  17. I loved your series, I read every single post of them ;)
    I really enjoy when you give us a little insight in your life, something that inspired you, a day out with you as you do it in your vlogs (maybe a day in iPhone photos?) or when you tell little stories of your past :)
    Lisa xx
    http://lisasjoy-blog.blogspot.de/

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  18. I have loved this series so much :) Thank you Louise! This post has been my favourite because I'm currently at uni studying psychology and stuck for what to do when I finish so you offered an interesting perspective.

    All your Monday posts have been amazing and really brighten the start of the week with your optimistic attitude :D xxx

    Forever Dreaming of Oz

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  19. This is such a nice insight into your education, it shows not knowing what you want to do often leads to something much better than anything you could have thought of :) inspiring me and the other thousands of followers you have is the best job because watching you on YouTube and reading your blog posts help me through a lot. I'm in the 'working for the man' situation now and wish so much for one day this to be my main source of income, because I enjoy it so much. The blogging and YouTube community are the best 'co-workers' ever :)

    On a lighter note imagining Darcy in 2015 in a little school uniform awwww! (so cute)

    Please come and visit me at my blog if you get a chance?

    rosiebxxx.blogspot.co.uk

    xxxxxxxxxxx

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  20. Loved it!
    xoxo
    foreveramber123.blogspot.co.uk

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  21. was nice to read this and get an insight into your experience at uni since I decided against going. Lovely as always Louise :}

    zirallure.blogspot.co.uk

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  22. Great post, I love these little monday post,I think its great that you share so much of your own experience on your blog. I think it really helps some of your readers and let them look on the subject form a different point of view.

    http://welldressed25.blogspot.co.uk/

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  23. I've loved this series! Your monday series are the best but why do they have to end Louise?! </3
    chloedunkley.blogspot.co.uk

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  24. Your videos always put me in a good mood, thankyou x x

    http://floral-infinity.blogspot.co.uk/

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  25. I've loved your Monday insights, it's a lovely pick-me-up after a gruelling day at sixth form :)

    http://daisychainprincess.blogspot.co.uk

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  26. I went through so many different life ideas until I finally set on my current one. As a kid I wanted to be an archaeologist or marine biologist, I then went through a pre-life crisis after leaving school and studied to be a film production designer and make-up artist! Im now studying to become a veterinary nurse which I know is the best life choice Ive ever made, 4 years after I left school x

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  27. Lovely post. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do as a career. Have fun trying to find a new idea for Monday posts. Hope you're well.
    Katie x

    theworldaccordingtokatieblossom.blogspot.com

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  28. really enjoyed this since i'm currently looking at applying for next year :)
    don't know if you have already but it would be great if you did a post about your whole uni experience!

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  29. It's always wonderful to hear about how we all go through the same conflicts and struggles! Perhaps you could do a food one (just anything about your favorite foods, or meals, or how you shop and prepare) - it's so super difficult to eat properly whilst in college!

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  30. I'm going to miss Monday insights. I think it would be nice for you to do a Weekly schedule and let us know your plans for the week (we all know how much you love to make lists!) And you can update us the next Monday and show us pictures from your week :)

    lovefrombethan.blogspot.co.uk

    xox

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  31. I really enjoyed reading this post but I'm going to miss Monday Insights:(
    I like that you're very honest in everything you do, truly an inspiration!:)

    Tayla xx

    http://taylajade77.blogspot.co.uk/

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  32. i can't wait to go to uni. I'm going next year :)

    itsjustshalay.blogspot.com

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  33. I love Monday Insights! xx

    beautyandurban.blogspot.com

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  34. This series was awesome - I loved it, can't wait for the next one! It felt really good to see that you'd answered some of my questions! Thanks for doing this!! Will be looking out for your future blogposts!

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  35. This is/was a great idea and I look forward to (Hopefully!) one in 2014! It's helped me a lot! Thank you Louise! :) XX.

    amylaurenxo.blogspot.co.uk

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  36. I'm in my very last semester of school... ever and I'm terrified that my brain will just shrivel up and die or I won't have anything interesting to do once I'm done. This post was certainly uplifting in that respect.

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  37. Ooooher! I'm so glad you stuck with this Monday series for a while I did enjoy it quite a lot! I love when you do beauty blog posts, but I also love the crafty ones, as well as the lifestyle ones. Whatever you're willing to write, I'd love you read. Love you loads Louise!!! ^_^ xxx

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  38. Really loved these Monday insights Louise! :) I love when you do your more life-stylish blogs as well as ones with Darcy! :) She's the cutest! :) xx

    secretlifeofniamh.blogspot.ie

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  39. hi Louise i really liked these Monday blog posts but i understand that they take a lot of effort.
    i was wondering that sometime in the near future you do a blog or maybe video on what to do for Christmas present/ secret Santa presents for your closest friends, it would be really helpful thanks:)) xxx

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  40. I loved this series Louise and it would be nice to see more of them!
    http://bits-about-life.blogspot.co.uk/

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  41. I really loved this post :) I am currently at a University but am almost done :) so exciting! Do more posts like these!

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  42. I loved the Monday Insights blog posts. Can't wait for your next series! :)

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  43. Really enjoyed reading this. x

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  44. I would REALLY REALLY REALLY like to some beauty ones. I miss them. x

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  45. Hi Louise ,
    I hope you are doing well !! I absolutely love your blog and YouTube videos and you inspire me so much with everything that you do !! I was nervous about starting up my own blog but I decided to take the plunge and start it! It's not beauty related really but it's about my life and my passions . I would love it if you could check it out and give me some pointers! It's at http://timescapturedbyacritic.blogspot.ca
    Thank you so much for all that you do !
    A dedicated sprinklerino ,
    Sarah

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  46. Please share more information and I will bookmark to my blog.

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  47. Thanks for posting this educative writeup. I do appreciate your efforts.

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  48. I read it and I'm very happy with the post.

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  49. Let's spread good stories like this again.

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Thank you for comment!
Sprinkleofglitter xxx

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