Monday
The second Monday back after Christmas usually consists of getting everything ready for the coming term, introductory lectures and seminars and catching up with housemates.
9-10am: Shreddies!
I usually start the day by having some Shreddies (enabling me to function) whilst catching up with the latest headlines on the TV. I usually head off to campus about 10ish and have time to grab a coffee from The Kitchen coffee shop in Alcuin College (best vanilla lattes!).
10am-1pm: “Oh that work…”
After arriving on campus, I usually head straight to the library to catch-up on any work I need to do for the upcoming seminars. This is before heading to campus for my first lecture of the new term.
1-4pm: Wellbeing on the mind
Our introductory lecture and seminar is on the wellbeing of children and young people. It’s taken by John Hudson, Head of Social Policy. The focus is on the UNICEF reports on child wellbeing. We are tasked with working out what we think should be included to measure child wellbeing, and how we would convey that to journalists and politicians.
4-6pm: Home comforts
It’s time to catch up with housemates and hear about their Christmas whilst attempting to cook what started out as a pasta dish but seems to have ended up in a weird type of green mush! Without eating the green mush, I quickly gather my stuff and head back to campus for the Course Rep meeting at York University Student Union (YUSU).
6-8pm: Democracy in action
I head over to YUSU to attend a meeting of the Academic Leadership Team! This is a chance for Reps from all disciplines to bring up any issues in their subject. I love being the Course Rep for Social Policy. It’s a great opportunity to build skills in leadership and work directly with staff to bring about a better student experience for all!
Tuesday
All day! It’s all about rehabilitation
Tuesday for me is the best day of the week because of Social Policy, Crime and Criminal Justice run by Dr Rachel Vipond. I arrive at campus around 11am to get the bus to HMP Buckley Hall to work with males incarcerated there. It’s an amazing experience working with Buckley Hall students discussing some of the biggest social policy issues of our time.
It allows us both to put aside any preconceived ideas that we may have had prior to starting the course. It has provided and continues to provide one of the most insightful experiences. I would encourage any student when reaching third year to apply for this module!
When I return, I start writing my reflective blog for that week, looking at education and all the shared knowledge gained from the perspective of both Buckley Hall and University of York students.
Wednesday
The middle of the week is my time to look at all my seminar prep and reading required for the following week before my girlfriend arrives from Leeds!
10am-4pm: Chilled study
I usually use this time to catch-up with any reading I haven’t done and prepare for the following week’s seminars. The planning and reading are made much easier by all the guidance we get! Plus, doing it in the newly opened study room offers a different space to work from the library.
4pm onward: Better late than never
After finishing all my reading, I take the 66 bus to York Railway Station to pick up my girlfriend. I’m usually late…. But I’m working on that.
Thursday
5-6pm: York Radio Show – all things mental health
Thursday is usually my freer day when I can fit in some extra opportunities that the university provides. This week I appeared on UOY Radio to talk all things mental health and discuss the support available at York if you are experiencing poor mental health. There are some amazing people at York working hard to provide excellent support across campus including the fantastic Student Minds society!!
After doing the interview I head to a local pub (there are many!) to meet with friends for a couple of pints and some banter!!
Friday
All day: Lights, camera, action!
My Fridays are spent doing all the stuff I do outside of university including doing research and interviews for Parliament Street! One of the great things about this subject is that it has provided me with the knowledge, confidence and skills to prepare me for my chosen career. This has enabled me to do an interview on a national stage including this one below for Sky News.
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