So, I thought it was about time that I touched base as it’s been a long time since I last posted. So much has happened since January, so here is a quick whistle stop tour of the last six months with some real life changing events.
In terms of netball, I sustained a knee injury in my last semester at Uni. However I was still able to compete with the 2nd team in Varsity. I acknowledged I had to recover and in the end, victory was sweet as we beat Gloucester by one goal. This was a great way to bow out of my University netball journey with some mixed emotions. I also had to say goodbye to Worcester Netball Club as I have now moved home.
The next stop on this tour was to finish my dissertation and aim high in my results. I worked long hours to put together a documentary accompanied with an essay as my final piece. All the effort certainly paid off as I achieved a 2:1 in BA (Hons) Journalism. I’ve always had to work really hard to do my best at school, finding some elements challenging, so this was obviously a massive achievement for me, one in which I am truly proud of.
So as you may recall, I applied for a volunteering role at the Commonwealth Games. I was given the role as a Flash Quote Reporter – a role that I was so excited to get stuck into; and even better, it was a reporting role at the netball! Never did I imagine it would turn into such a positive and amazing experience. I was sitting alongside other reporters watching the most powerful athletes competing for the title. The atmosphere of every game was incredible. Then came the interviews.
From Aussie Diamonds’, Gretel Bueta to England Captain, Nat Metcalfe, I was able to talk to world class netballers who I never thought I’d get the chance to meet, let alone discuss match tactics an play. Seeing some of my quotes taken from my interview with Tamsin Greenway in physical print really set my sights on what I know I ultimately want to do in my future of journalism. It was amazing to put into practise all the skills that I learned at University. This experience has given me a pathway to follow in terms of my journalism career. Also, meeting fellow reporters including Caroline Barker, Pamela Cookey and even Claire Balding who gave me tips on how to improve and grow my contacts really made this experience even more special. I now know my direction and long term aim.
Although I have currently returned home and not actively playing netball at the moment, it is never far from my thoughts. For now though I have new focus, I have just started in my first post-graduate position as a Marketing, Admissions and Communications Assistant. I’m dipping my toe into the world of marketing and I am excited to see what experience this will give me and where it could lead to.
University life has given me so many opportunities, not only with my netball but also with my future career as well as making some life long friendships. I will always be grateful for every experience on and off court and would highly recommend it to anyone. Find your pathway and make it yours.
Until we meet again x
