I know you guys are all going to be jealous when I tell you this, but today, I did gel electrophoresis in my biology practical. Okay, maybe you're not jealous, but it was a pretty exciting experience for me. I can't say I did very well with actually putting the DNA in the wells of the gel; my hands are apparently too shaky for lab work, which poses a bit of a problem considering I'll probably be doing it for the rest of my life! Anyway, my prac supervisor told us to go home and write in our diaries that we'd performed gel electrophoresis! I don't have a diary, my blog is almost like my diary, so I'm putting this down for the record. His point was that science and technology is moving so quickly that in a few year we'll be able to look back on this and see how far we've gone since then. This made me think about a few things, and I was going to ask my readers (however small the group is) a few questions! A whole paragraph just to get that point...
Advances in medicine and science are all well and good, believe me, they're going to keep me in a job in the future, I'm sure of it. But when does it become too much? This is what I have been wondering lately. For example, the "super bugs" that have shown up over the last few years, MRSA and the like. These bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, and the theory is that we've gone to so much effort to try and kill infections that they've somehow become immune to it all. I could go into the science of this, but basically it's to do with one bacteria having the mutation, surviving and reproducing. Bacteria reproduce at an alarming rate, so next thing you know you've got a whole colony of antibiotic resistant monsters sitting there just waiting to wreak some havoc. Apparently this can all be caused by people not taking their full course of antiobiotics, taking too many antibiotics, or taking the same antibiotics all the time. Why do you think this is happening? Do you think we are too paranoid about germs? Apparently children who are exposed to illness have a stronger immune system, so do you think by being too "clean" we're actually putting people at greater risk of infection and disease? Will this just keep happening until we can't fight infection at all? I ask for your thoughts on this issue!
The other thing I wanted to bring up was genetics and gene technology. This has been important for the last decade or so, because genetics really is a very recent thing. Now that we've got a draft of the human genome, I have to wonder what the next step is. We can now locate genes in the human body, and this would be great for stopping genetic diseases, but of course there will be people who will use this information for personal gain. I'm talking about designer babies and the like. Is it going too far to choose the gender, eye colour, height or personality of your unborn baby? Personally, I'm against the idea of designer babies and genetic engineering for selfish reasons. I don't think it's right at all, and feel that technology like this should be reserved for saving people's lives from horrible illnesses such as Huntington's Disease and Haemophilia. But then there's all the religious issues, about whether we should be messing around with this kind of stuff anyway. I'm not an expert on it, but I do think it's a brilliant piece of technology and amazing things will come from it in the fiuture. Not only with humans but with creating more nutritious and disease/drought resistant plants as well. Once again, what do you guys think about this? I'm sure those of you doing Year 12 bio at the moment are sick of hearing about it, but have most likely developed your own opinions on the matter and I would love to hear them!
Surely there comes a point where we've gone too far, but I think some of the recent discoveries in science are going to save many, many lives, and I hope one day to be a part of it all!
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
My Collection
My most treasured possession would have to be my collection of old medical books. I've been buying them from second hand bookshops for about four years now, since mum brought me home an old medical dictionary that I instantly fell in love with. This photo barely even gives an indication of the size of my collection now. The books range from genetics, to microbiology, psychology and family medicine. The majority of them were found in a second hand bookshop in Moonta, some from the Salvos, and recently I found O'Connell's bookshop on Hindley Street. If I had more space on my bookshelf, I would have a lot more books.
I have my favourites of course, three. The first would have to one of the bacteriology books I have found. Manual of Bacteriology is in absolutely perfect condition. I intend on majoring in Microbiology, I just love bacteria and all things related, so I actually read this book very intently, carefully turning each page. (I even gave the cover a clean to make it nice and shiny again.)
Another book I would like to share is the Tutorial Pharmacy book I found. It's from 1930 and it's definitely an interesting read. It was quite concerning when I read about medicines containing arsenic, lead, cyanide and other compounds I wouldn't even consider putting in my body now. My final favourite is the most recent addition to my collection, the Synopsis of Tropical Medicine. I bought this because it was only $9, and being tropical medicine, there were some pretty weird and exotic diseases and illnesses in there. It was when I got home and saw the writing inside the cover that the book became intriguing. Although I can't read the old fashioned cursive writing very well, I could make out a name and some funny acronym. I consulted mum and the internet and found that "Capt. R.A.M.C." meant Captain of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Underneath the year was written, Jan 45, which is of course towards the end of the Second World War. The last name is impossible for me to work out, but I'm pretty sure the first name is James, initial T. There's also another strange word starting with P with a couple of exclamation marks. I'm absorbed in finding out more about this book, I feel like there could be a story behind it.
So if you're ever stumped about what to get me for my birthday, I'd love an old copy of Gray's Anatomy. ;)
Monday, 23 May 2011
I'm flawed!
I've come to the conclusion, that my personality is completely flawed. I get the whole "nobody's perfect" thing, and I do like who I am, but there are some things I just wish I could improve on.
Perfectionism is probably my biggest issue. I actually find pleasure in putting a painstaking amount of effort into certain things. This not only includes my assignments and homework, but how I do my hair in the mornings and cleaning my room. However, I'm unsatisfied with what I have done most of the time. I worry about everything while I'm out and about; if my ponytail is sitting perfectly, if the colours in my outfit are balanced okay. I know as a girl I'm expected to worry about my appearance, but this just gets ridiculous. If there's a chip in my nail polish I take it all off. Same goes with my makeup. If I could change something about myself I think this would be it. It interferes way too much in my life.
I think shyness and introversion is another big problem for me. I'm not very comfortable around strangers and I feel like I make things awkward if I do work up the courage to talk to people I don't know. I remember in O'Week, everyone around me was making new friends, but I found it so difficult to approach people and have a conversation with them. Even when people would talk to me, it was hard to give very good answers and keep the conversation going. I worry that being shy gives people the impression that I'm a snob. I'm not. I want to make more friends and be more outgoing and confident with social situations, but it just seems so hard. I tend to keep to myself a lot too. In big groups I rarely speak up, it's much easier for me to talk to people over the phone or internet than it is in person, and I often enjoy doing things that I can do by myself. Group assignments and team sports are a nightmare for me.
I'm obsessive and sensitive. These are probably the things that drive most people away. Maybe some people consider this a good thing, but I get attached to people to the point where I become obsessed and cling to them. This doesn't exactly make me a winner with guys. I will worry when someone doesn't reply to my text messages, and if I have to say goodbye to someone that I really enjoy spending time with I'll feel really, really sad. Being completely fixated on someone has it's downfalls. I'm pretty sure I lost my first boyfriend because of this, because being obsessed leads to being a bit a too sensitive. I'll cry if the person I'm "obsessed" with says anything wrong by me. This is justified at times, but not always. Then I just end up looking pathetic.
I could sit here and list everything that's annoying, frustrating or aggravating about my personality, but I would be here all day. The things I've written about have the biggest effect on my life, and although I said I like who I am, these things cause me so much unnecessary trouble. I can complain about these things, or I can try and change them without changing my personality to the point where I'm not me anymore. But how easy is it to change habits and mannerisms that you've had for most of your life?
Perfectionism is probably my biggest issue. I actually find pleasure in putting a painstaking amount of effort into certain things. This not only includes my assignments and homework, but how I do my hair in the mornings and cleaning my room. However, I'm unsatisfied with what I have done most of the time. I worry about everything while I'm out and about; if my ponytail is sitting perfectly, if the colours in my outfit are balanced okay. I know as a girl I'm expected to worry about my appearance, but this just gets ridiculous. If there's a chip in my nail polish I take it all off. Same goes with my makeup. If I could change something about myself I think this would be it. It interferes way too much in my life.
I think shyness and introversion is another big problem for me. I'm not very comfortable around strangers and I feel like I make things awkward if I do work up the courage to talk to people I don't know. I remember in O'Week, everyone around me was making new friends, but I found it so difficult to approach people and have a conversation with them. Even when people would talk to me, it was hard to give very good answers and keep the conversation going. I worry that being shy gives people the impression that I'm a snob. I'm not. I want to make more friends and be more outgoing and confident with social situations, but it just seems so hard. I tend to keep to myself a lot too. In big groups I rarely speak up, it's much easier for me to talk to people over the phone or internet than it is in person, and I often enjoy doing things that I can do by myself. Group assignments and team sports are a nightmare for me.
I'm obsessive and sensitive. These are probably the things that drive most people away. Maybe some people consider this a good thing, but I get attached to people to the point where I become obsessed and cling to them. This doesn't exactly make me a winner with guys. I will worry when someone doesn't reply to my text messages, and if I have to say goodbye to someone that I really enjoy spending time with I'll feel really, really sad. Being completely fixated on someone has it's downfalls. I'm pretty sure I lost my first boyfriend because of this, because being obsessed leads to being a bit a too sensitive. I'll cry if the person I'm "obsessed" with says anything wrong by me. This is justified at times, but not always. Then I just end up looking pathetic.
I could sit here and list everything that's annoying, frustrating or aggravating about my personality, but I would be here all day. The things I've written about have the biggest effect on my life, and although I said I like who I am, these things cause me so much unnecessary trouble. I can complain about these things, or I can try and change them without changing my personality to the point where I'm not me anymore. But how easy is it to change habits and mannerisms that you've had for most of your life?
Saturday, 21 May 2011
Heathers
"Heather told me she teaches people 'real life.' She said, real life sucks losers dry. You want to fuck with the eagles, you have to learn to fly. I said, so, you teach people how to spread their wings and fly? She said, yes. I said, you're beautiful."
Heathers. My favourite film of all time. Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, dark humour, 80's fashion and more sarcasm than you can poke a stick at. A movie my father had recommended, I fell in love within the first ten minutes. There's something about it that makes me want to watch it over and over again. Such a quotable movie, see my favourite above. To give you a quick run down, you've got Veronica, a girl who attempts to be part of the in crowd, the Heathers, pretty unenthusiastically. Think of Heather 1, 2 and 3 (Duke, McNamara and Chandler) as every girl you ever hated but wanted to be, combined. Throw in JD, a bad boy with a devious side who works out a way to destroy school politics. Heathers is a film that I giggle at, while feeling guilty for it, and the issue of teenage suicide is addressed in a way that I whole heartedly agree with. Winona Ryder's monotone voice and sarcastic attitude suits the film perfectly, and Christian Slater is definitely nice to look at. For a taste of something different, or even to admire the outfits (scrunchies and blazers galore), go out and find Heathers. You won't regret it.
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Feeling blue.
I'm having a sad day today. This blog post is more for my benefit than anything else I think so feel free to give it a miss if you don't want to hear about the silly little things bothering me. I'm hoping that by the time I finish writing this my head will be much clearer and I will feel better. I know I said this new blog was a fresh start but I think I just need to get all this down and out of my head.
My friends are probably sick of hearing about it, everyone's probably sick of hearing about it. But for some reason my break up still bothers me. Some days that is. Usually I'm fine. And what annoys me most is that it's not even because I miss him, or still love him (Thank goodness, makes things a lot easier), but because I am so confused about it. Most of the time I just don't think about it, but today it's getting to me. I still don't know why we broke up, why he just decided he didn't really want to be with me one day, after begging for me to come back the first time I tried to call it off. I do feel so much better since I put him out of my life, but he's still stuck in my mind, and catching glances of him at uni doesn't really help. If only you could permanently delete someone from your life. Even then, it might not change anything. It's this lack of closure that upsets me, and everyone just keeps telling me to put it behind me and move on... But how can I? I just want to know if there's something I've done, or something that happened with him... Was there another girl? Was there something I failed to see coming? It's even harder to move on when I remember all the mean things that were said to me. They just stick in my mind, barely even linked to him, but they sting like crazy. Being called unintelligent for being a biology student, accused of being boring and uninteresting... Of course those things are going to upset me. But once again, I'm told I just should just forget about these things. With time everything heals. I think I'm just angry about it all.
Sigh, pass me the tissues.
My friends are probably sick of hearing about it, everyone's probably sick of hearing about it. But for some reason my break up still bothers me. Some days that is. Usually I'm fine. And what annoys me most is that it's not even because I miss him, or still love him (Thank goodness, makes things a lot easier), but because I am so confused about it. Most of the time I just don't think about it, but today it's getting to me. I still don't know why we broke up, why he just decided he didn't really want to be with me one day, after begging for me to come back the first time I tried to call it off. I do feel so much better since I put him out of my life, but he's still stuck in my mind, and catching glances of him at uni doesn't really help. If only you could permanently delete someone from your life. Even then, it might not change anything. It's this lack of closure that upsets me, and everyone just keeps telling me to put it behind me and move on... But how can I? I just want to know if there's something I've done, or something that happened with him... Was there another girl? Was there something I failed to see coming? It's even harder to move on when I remember all the mean things that were said to me. They just stick in my mind, barely even linked to him, but they sting like crazy. Being called unintelligent for being a biology student, accused of being boring and uninteresting... Of course those things are going to upset me. But once again, I'm told I just should just forget about these things. With time everything heals. I think I'm just angry about it all.
Sigh, pass me the tissues.
30 Day Song Challenge
Here we go, the 30 Day Song Challenge. This was so much harder than the film challenge.
Under Pressure - David Bowie & Queen
Day 02 – Your least favorite song
Day 02 – Your least favorite song
(I Just) Died In Your Arms Tonight - Cutting Crew
Day 03 – A song that makes you happy
Day 03 – A song that makes you happy
Sunday Best - Washington
Day 04 – A song that makes you sad
Day 04 – A song that makes you sad
Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
Day 05 – A song that reminds you of someone
Day 05 – A song that reminds you of someone
Kayleigh - Marillion
Day 06 – A song that reminds of you of somewhere
Day 06 – A song that reminds of you of somewhere
It's Oh So Quiet - Bjork
Day 07 – A song that reminds you of a certain event
Day 07 – A song that reminds you of a certain event
Firework - Katy Perry
Day 08 – A song that you know all the words to
Day 08 – A song that you know all the words to
Buttons - Sia
Day 09 – A song that you can dance to
Day 09 – A song that you can dance to
Coca Cola - Little Red
Day 10 – A song that makes you fall asleep
Day 10 – A song that makes you fall asleep
Just a Boy - Angus and Julia Stone
Day 11 – A song from your favorite band
Day 11 – A song from your favorite band
Rock It - Little Red
Day 12 – A song from a band you hate
Day 12 – A song from a band you hate
Someday - Nickelback
Day 13 – A song that is a guilty pleasure
Day 13 – A song that is a guilty pleasure
Grace Kelly - Mika
Day 14 – A song that no one would expect you to love
Day 14 – A song that no one would expect you to love
The Trial - Pink Floyd
Day 15 – A song that describes you
Day 15 – A song that describes you
I'm a Bitch - Meredith Brooks
Day 16 – A song that you used to love but now hate
Day 16 – A song that you used to love but now hate
Smile - Lily Allen
Day 17 – A song that you hear often on the radio
Day 17 – A song that you hear often on the radio
Dog Days Are Over - Florence and the Machine
Day 18 – A song that you wish you heard on the radio
Day 18 – A song that you wish you heard on the radio
Sympathy for the Devil - The Rolling Stones
Day 19 – A song from your favorite album
Day 19 – A song from your favorite album
Prisoner of Society - The Living End
Day 20 – A song that you listen to when you’re angry
Day 20 – A song that you listen to when you’re angry
The Saddest Thing I Know - Birds of Tokyo
Day 21 – A song that you listen to when you’re happy
Day 21 – A song that you listen to when you’re happy
Twist and Shout - The Beatles
Day 22 – A song that you listen to when you’re sad
Day 22 – A song that you listen to when you’re sad
Brick - Ben Folds
Day 23 – A song that you want to play at your wedding
Day 23 – A song that you want to play at your wedding
Nowhere Without You - Bob Evans
Day 24 – A song that you want to play at your funeral
Day 24 – A song that you want to play at your funeral
Leaving on a Jet Plane - John Denver
Day 25 – A song that makes you laugh
Day 25 – A song that makes you laugh
Asshole - Dennis Leary
Day 26 – A song that you can play on an instrument
Day 26 – A song that you can play on an instrument
I don't play an instrument.
Day 27 – A song that you wish you could play
Day 27 – A song that you wish you could play
Hellbound - The Living End
Day 28 – A song that makes you feel guilty
Day 28 – A song that makes you feel guilty
There honestly isn't a song that makes me feel guilty.
Day 29 – A song from your childhood
Day 29 – A song from your childhood
Don't Stop Moving - S Club 7
Day 30 – Your favorite song at this time last year
Day 30 – Your favorite song at this time last year
Under Pressure - David Bowie & Queen
So I will leave you with this, my favourite song.
So I will leave you with this, my favourite song.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Attracting a Mate
Today I found an article in Dolly magazine about how to talk to guys. Although there were a few things that made sense, like smiling when you're talking to him, I was kind of shocked at some of the other things that were said. Things like purposely taking a long time to reply to his text messages so you don't seem desperate, but do get mad at him if he doesn't reply to yours immediately. The part about contacting him on Facebook really made me laugh.
"Even though every part of you wants to go to his wall and be like 'OMFG, FB FRIENDS FTW' you need to step away from the computer. Liking his status is a good way to let him know you're thinking about him. But remember, there is a one like per month limit. You don't want him thinking you're a stalker."
...cool story.
Seriously, one like per month? There's actually a limit? Wait, do guys actually interpret you liking their status as a way of you thinking about them? Even if I do like a cute guy's status, it's probably because it's showed up in my news feed, and it was something I actually did like... I'm so confused.
So, let me put together my personal guide to talking to guys and maybe getting a date. Not that I'm very good at it myself.
1. Meet him. This is probably the hardest part. You're sitting there thinking, I don't know any guys. All the guys I know aren't attractive to me. Don't go on blind dates, but DO trust your friends to introduce you to their friends. Widen your social network. Leave your bedroom once in a while. Or you know, meet people on the internet.
2. Get his attention. Feel good about yourself. This is the most important rule. Confidence draws people in, there's no point trying to get his attention by talking down about yourself and looking for compliments. He's just going to get bored and annoyed and give up eventually. Try to make friends with him, smile (Dolly weren't wrong with that one), JUST TALK TO HIM. Another great thing to consider is letting him know you're single.
3. You have his attention, now what? Flirt, flirt, flirt, flirt, flirt.
4. Finding out if he's interested in you. If he's not interested in you, you'd probably notice by now. Unless he's tricky. I seem to never notice if a guy is interested in me. This means one of two things; I'm completely oblivious to these things, or it's pretty rare that a guy is interested in me, ha. One thing I've learnt, if he keeps sneaking glances at you and smiling, he's probably got a thing for you. If he actually tells you he's interested in you, that's a good sign too.
5. Getting a date. You like him, he likes you. Let's get this thing going. You are the girl, you have the power. I'm sure plenty of guys like an assertive girl. There's no harm in asking him on a date. If he asks you on a date, that's even better. When it comes to the date, be cute, keep smiling, make him feel special, and remember, be yourself, it sounds cliche but it's important. No guy wants a girl who's pretending to be someone she's not.
Why I Miss Highschool
Who would have though that after waiting five long years for it to all be over, I would actually miss highschool. As you all know, I'm currently in my first year at uni. Graduating highschool last year was probably one of the greatest moments of my life. It was such a relief to know that never again would I have to step back through those gates and spend six hours of my day doing things I didn't really feel like doing. But some days, I just wish I could go back.
The main thing I miss about highschool, and it sounds so cliche, is the people. It was so easy to catch up with all of my friends, and just talk to anyone. I had a pretty small Year 12 class, so the majority of us got along really well. At uni, it's sometimes possible to go an entire day without talking to anyone. Although I'm beginning to increase my social network here, at first I didn't know anyone but a few school friends, and it was easy to feel lonely, even in a lecture theatre of 700 students. But even though I've made friends at uni, I miss my old friendship group from school. I loved those girls, and the guys. I felt comfortable coming to school and knowing they would always be there; in all my classes, at recess, at lunch. We'd just be able to sit down and talk about everything. These days, it would be impossible to spend six hours a day, five days a week with them, and I'm already starting to feel distance with people I was once best friends with. I know this is just a fact of life in general, but it still sucks, no one can deny that. I'm actually closer to friends that didn't move to Adelaide than some of the people I came to uni with. One of my old school friends, who stayed in Port Pirie, still faithfully emails me about everything going on in her life, and I do the same back. But in Adelaide, it's difficult to either find time to hang out with your friends, or they too have moved on to bigger and better things.
I think about how things were at school and I feel sad. I miss the best friend I had through the last 3 years of highschool. But it seems like things with her will never be the way they used to be. This is partly because of actions on my behalf, but I think moving to a big city has an awful lot to do with it as well. The same thing happened with my relationship. Through my final year of highschool, I had a relationship that I felt really comfortable in. It was still a bit rocky, but we saw each other everyday at school, and on weekends. However, after moving to Adelaide, things just became trickier. Although I don't know the reasons for the break up, we drfited apart for reasons to do with uni and living in Adelaide. I think one of the biggest problems was that he lived in Mount Barker; an hour long bus ride for me, and he only owned a motorcycle. The other issue was that going to uni AND having a girlfriend seemed to be too much for him to take on. Once again, things might have ended regardless of moving or not, but I do often dream of turning time back to 10 months ago when I felt like I had the closest knit group of friends and the most loving boyfriend in the world.
The other big reason I miss highschool, is my grades. University came as a bit of a shock for me. My tutor informed us that a credit is an exceptionally good mark at uni, and to get a distinction or high distinction is just incredible. I couldn't understand this. In Year 11 and Year 12 particularly, if I got anything less than a B I was devastated. Admittedley, I am not like this now, but going from getting A's for the majority of my subjects, to barely passing some at uni was a big deal. This was the case for Chemistry in particular. I was never amazing at Chemistry, but I was always a B student. Come to uni and I fail a test, an assignment, and sit in all my lectures with a blank stare on my face. Biology was another one. I liked getting upwards of 90% in highschool for Biology. It's my comfort zone, I put a lot more effort into it than other classes (probably not a good thing actually), and when I saw 14/20 on my first uni test, I was pretty upset. My tutor kept repeating, that's a credit! That's a good mark! I expect that from science students! But I couldn't help but feel disappointed in myself. I've come to terms with this now, and as I've been told by many other students, "P's get degrees". Unfortunately if I even want to consider getting into Honours or postgrad Medicine, I can't just get P's. But the truth is, you can still get your degree without acing every course. And at uni, it's not as competitive. In highschool, everyone knew each other's grades and it felt like we were all competing against each other to be dux or top of the class. Oh no, now I'm going on about things I didn't like about highschool. That's not what I was talking about, back to the topic!
Finally, I miss my teachers. The people I never thought I would miss. There is plenty of support for us at uni, but during my senior year especially, the teachers just seemed to be there for us every step of the way. They didn't spoon feed us, or baby us to the point where we couldn't fend for ourselves, but without their help I would have found Year 12 much more difficult than it was. Even if you just needed to talk, or vent, or scream, or even cry (which poor Mrs Rohde had to deal with a lot), they were always around, even those who weren't our subject teachers. Our senior teachers knew everything about us. At times it was like they knew what was going on in our lives better than we did. I honestly miss the friendships I had with them. At formal in particular, they didn't feel like my teachers. I wish I could have put them in a suitcase and brought them to uni with me. Even if they were just standing in the background shouting "You can do it Karagh!"
Yes, at times, I would do anything to go back to highschool. But I'm starting to become more mature, and more accustomed to university life. I'll never stop missing my friends, my teachers, or my report cards, but bigger and better things are waiting on the horizon for me too. I just need to pick myself up and move forward.
The main thing I miss about highschool, and it sounds so cliche, is the people. It was so easy to catch up with all of my friends, and just talk to anyone. I had a pretty small Year 12 class, so the majority of us got along really well. At uni, it's sometimes possible to go an entire day without talking to anyone. Although I'm beginning to increase my social network here, at first I didn't know anyone but a few school friends, and it was easy to feel lonely, even in a lecture theatre of 700 students. But even though I've made friends at uni, I miss my old friendship group from school. I loved those girls, and the guys. I felt comfortable coming to school and knowing they would always be there; in all my classes, at recess, at lunch. We'd just be able to sit down and talk about everything. These days, it would be impossible to spend six hours a day, five days a week with them, and I'm already starting to feel distance with people I was once best friends with. I know this is just a fact of life in general, but it still sucks, no one can deny that. I'm actually closer to friends that didn't move to Adelaide than some of the people I came to uni with. One of my old school friends, who stayed in Port Pirie, still faithfully emails me about everything going on in her life, and I do the same back. But in Adelaide, it's difficult to either find time to hang out with your friends, or they too have moved on to bigger and better things.
I think about how things were at school and I feel sad. I miss the best friend I had through the last 3 years of highschool. But it seems like things with her will never be the way they used to be. This is partly because of actions on my behalf, but I think moving to a big city has an awful lot to do with it as well. The same thing happened with my relationship. Through my final year of highschool, I had a relationship that I felt really comfortable in. It was still a bit rocky, but we saw each other everyday at school, and on weekends. However, after moving to Adelaide, things just became trickier. Although I don't know the reasons for the break up, we drfited apart for reasons to do with uni and living in Adelaide. I think one of the biggest problems was that he lived in Mount Barker; an hour long bus ride for me, and he only owned a motorcycle. The other issue was that going to uni AND having a girlfriend seemed to be too much for him to take on. Once again, things might have ended regardless of moving or not, but I do often dream of turning time back to 10 months ago when I felt like I had the closest knit group of friends and the most loving boyfriend in the world.
The other big reason I miss highschool, is my grades. University came as a bit of a shock for me. My tutor informed us that a credit is an exceptionally good mark at uni, and to get a distinction or high distinction is just incredible. I couldn't understand this. In Year 11 and Year 12 particularly, if I got anything less than a B I was devastated. Admittedley, I am not like this now, but going from getting A's for the majority of my subjects, to barely passing some at uni was a big deal. This was the case for Chemistry in particular. I was never amazing at Chemistry, but I was always a B student. Come to uni and I fail a test, an assignment, and sit in all my lectures with a blank stare on my face. Biology was another one. I liked getting upwards of 90% in highschool for Biology. It's my comfort zone, I put a lot more effort into it than other classes (probably not a good thing actually), and when I saw 14/20 on my first uni test, I was pretty upset. My tutor kept repeating, that's a credit! That's a good mark! I expect that from science students! But I couldn't help but feel disappointed in myself. I've come to terms with this now, and as I've been told by many other students, "P's get degrees". Unfortunately if I even want to consider getting into Honours or postgrad Medicine, I can't just get P's. But the truth is, you can still get your degree without acing every course. And at uni, it's not as competitive. In highschool, everyone knew each other's grades and it felt like we were all competing against each other to be dux or top of the class. Oh no, now I'm going on about things I didn't like about highschool. That's not what I was talking about, back to the topic!
Finally, I miss my teachers. The people I never thought I would miss. There is plenty of support for us at uni, but during my senior year especially, the teachers just seemed to be there for us every step of the way. They didn't spoon feed us, or baby us to the point where we couldn't fend for ourselves, but without their help I would have found Year 12 much more difficult than it was. Even if you just needed to talk, or vent, or scream, or even cry (which poor Mrs Rohde had to deal with a lot), they were always around, even those who weren't our subject teachers. Our senior teachers knew everything about us. At times it was like they knew what was going on in our lives better than we did. I honestly miss the friendships I had with them. At formal in particular, they didn't feel like my teachers. I wish I could have put them in a suitcase and brought them to uni with me. Even if they were just standing in the background shouting "You can do it Karagh!"
Yes, at times, I would do anything to go back to highschool. But I'm starting to become more mature, and more accustomed to university life. I'll never stop missing my friends, my teachers, or my report cards, but bigger and better things are waiting on the horizon for me too. I just need to pick myself up and move forward.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Questions From a Stranger
Recently I met this guy, Tom. In his blog he wrote a list of questions that he would ask complete strangers if he had the chance. He's almost a stranger to me, so I'm going to answer these questions for him. Hopefully he doesn't end up thinking I'm an absolute loony and runs off scared.
What kinda music do you like? Why? Did you ever like any other sort? What do you think of the indie scene? What about the mainstream stuff? Is there any music you hate? What do you think of people who get off knowing about obscure bands?
When I was in Year 8, the Triple J One Night Stand was held in my town. Prior to this, I admit, with shame, that I was very much into mainstream music. My favourite bands were Simple Plan and Good Charlotte. However, after watching The Living End very intently, my world was turned around. I became an avid Triple J listener and haven't turned back since. I suppose now, I listen to Little Red, Birds of Tokyo, Sparkadia, Washington, Sia, Sally Seltmann, Jebediah, Vampire Weekend, British India, Angus and Julia Stone, Children Collide, Eskimo Joe... I could go through my entire iPod for you. Although I am guilty of liking a few random mainstream songs, I'm not really a fan. I find it sounds very similar and the lyrics have no real meaning to them a lot of the time. If I like a mainstream song it's probably because I like to dance to it, in which case I'm hardly listening to the music properly. I don't think there is any music I hate, although I'm not a fan of country, and I'm fussy with hip hop and rap. Also, I don't really like much "trance" or electronic music or whatever it's called. As for people who get off on knowing about obscure bands, I get a bit annoyed. Indie artists seem to be appearing a bit more often on mainstream radio lately, and there are people who will like the one song that always gets played, and think they're that band's "number one fan". I have met a few people like this, I don't know if there's a massive population of them or not. But it's almost like... Well, for example, I was friends with this girl. She always claimed she was so unique, such an individual. But the truth is, she was trying so hard to be unique, that she was just following the crowd in everything she did. I feel like this is almost like that. Maybe. Do you see where I'm coming from?
Do you watch TV? What about reading? Or do you play video games? Is the modern version of reading a novel playing video games? Or is the modern version of reading a novel reading a modern novel? Do you think people do it for the escapist element? Do you? Are you comfortable with that?
Yes, I do watch TV. But not as often as I used to. Now I tend to buy DVDs of TV shows and watch them. Mainly because here I don't have Austar like I did at home, and I don't seem to have much time to turn on the TV and watch it all night. However, when I do, it's usually the Big Bang Theory. My favourite TV shows would be Pushing Daises, Offspring, Dexter and Breaking Bad. So many that have been cancelled as well; Dead Like Me, Veronica Mars... I love reading, but I lost time for it during Year 12 and have found it increasingly difficult to get back into reading for leisure rather than study. If anyone were to write me a list of good books I would definitely look into it though. I also dabble in video games, mainly Pokemon, and The Sims. I also love the Wii, I just have this obsession with it. I'm addicted to Boom Blox. My favourite game would actually be the Ace Attorney series on the Nintendo DS. I'm a pretty amateur gamer, but I really enjoy a good game. I don't think this is the modern version of reading a novel though. I think reading is timeless, it should never be replaced. I think some people probably do do it for the escapist element, but not me, I just like to have a bit of fun.
Do you know your family history? Are you proud of it? Do you care at all?
I actually love hearing about my family history. My mother did some research into our family tree a few years back. Well, some very intense research. Although there are still some gaps, basically my family on my mother's side were from Germany, and arrived in Australia in the early 20th century I believe. There were also a few from the UK... My father's side are mainly from England, and one of his ancestors was actually a knight. That's something that I found really cool.
Do you have a life story? Or do you think events are just happening and they aren’t connected?
This is a really tough question I think, for me anyway. I feel like I have a life story to tell (although it may not be very interesting, just a lot of moving around), but I'm not sure if all of the events are connected or not. I think many of them are, but a few area just random happenings. I'm afraid my life story would be nothing more than going to lots of different primary schools, being bullied, with a few accomplishments thrown in here and there. 2010 was probably the most interesting year of my life; I surpassed my own expectations, achieved Year 12 results that I'm so proud of, lost friends, and made some, had a pretty tumultuous relationship... Overall, a great but stressful year. But is this really part of my life story? Is it connected to everything that happened before that? Who knows...
Do you believe in a god or the supernatural? Do you believe what you’d like to be true or what you think is true? If you do, why doesn’t everyone know?
This question is even trickier. I actually can't say that I believe in God or that I don't. I believe the term a friend of mine used was agnostic theism, although I am not sure of it's exact meaning... I am a very strong believer in evolution and in science, so it's easy for me to say that there is no evidence for God and creationism etc. But I don't want to say that. I believe there has to be something that we just can't explain. There has to be something more to this world than what we see and touch. Maybe it's God, maybe it's something else. I think maybe we all have a soul, because there has to be a lot more to what we are than just what is laid out in our genes, and this is coming from a biomed student. I just find it so hard to say that there is no higher power that we can't see and show evidence for it's existence. I don't know if any of that made sense, I hope you see what I'm getting at. So I suppose I believe what I think is true, but at the same time, I would like for all of this to be true. It would be nice if there was something that science couldn't explain. As for the supernatural, I don't really believe in aliens (but I do believe there must be life out in space, but it's probably just bacteria or something), I don't think I believe in demons or vampires or witchcraft or anything like that. But I find myself believing in ghosts a lot of the time. When I hear stories from people about how they swear they have been in a haunted house or seen a ghost, they tell the story with such passion that I can't say they're lying. Maybe there is an explanation for everything they have said, but I just can't decide whether ghosts exist or not.
Where’s the best place to have a date? Is a movie really a good place take a girl? Is it slutty for the girl to be the pursuer in the relationship. That is, the girl is the one who gets the guys phone number, asks him out etc..
I'd just like to say that I like dates. They seem to happen less and less often these days but I think it'd be so nice to be asked on a date. A date at the movies... Hmm, maybe not in the beginning of a relationship. If you're just getting to know someone there is no point in going to the movies, you can't talk to each other! Maybe after you have started going out, and you really really want to see a movie or something. I think I like to reserve movies for friend outings sometimes. So, a great place for a date for me, would probably be going out for tea, or for lunch, or even for a coffee somewhere. Then just going for a walk somewhere nice together and talking. I would like to say a perfect date would be a picnic somewhere pretty, but I'm not sure how many guys do this anymore, haha. I sure hope it's not slutty for the girl to be the pursuer in the relationship. I'm a bit shy, but if it came down to it I would pursue a guy I had an interest in. I know it's always a bit romantic to have the guy ask you out, and I would prefer this because I seem to have a fear of rejection. But I do not think it's slutty for a girl to ask a guy out, and especially not to ask for his phone number!
A guy and a girl are on a date. The night went rather well but after they leave *wherever they were* and walk down a dark alley *for some reason* they get held up by a guy demanding their money. What should the guy in the date do? Hand over his money or fight the other guy? What is the mugger had a knife? Or a gun?
I don't think fighting is very attractive, but more importantly, no one wants a date to end in tragedy. Losing your money is a lot less upsetting than being shot, stabbed or injured. If the guy I was on a date with tried to fight the mugger, I don't think I would swoon exactly. I would probably be even more scared.
When someone asks you how you are, what do you think of? What, to you, defines whether your life is going well or not? Having a boyfriend, good grades, good food, …?
I used to think someone with a good life had all of that. A boyfriend, excellent grades, etc. But now I see that I can be happy without those things. That's not to say I wouldn't like to be in a relationship or be getting HDs for everything, but just because I don't it doesn't mean my life isn't going well. In my opinion, if I feel happy regardless of those things, my life is going well. As long as you enjoy what you're doing with you life, and are healthy and have enough money to get by, your life is good. I get really annoyed when people say their life is horrible and worthless because they don't have a boyfriend/girlfriend etc, because there are people in this world who are much worse off than them. I know it gets pretty lonely without one, but we can survive. I think all of these just add that little bit of happiness to your life, which is great. But on the other hand, you could have a boyfriend and your life might not be going well, it might not be a good relationship. So you know, there are plenty of ways to look at this.
How do you define yourself? Is it your taste in music? Is it who your friends are, what you own, what your job is, what you study, …? Is it possible to not like who you are? Do you like who you are? If you don’t, would you do anything to change it?
I hate writing in those About Me sections on Facebook and other websites, because I feel like I can never accurately define myself in a few sentences. I think I'm defined by all of those things above, but at the same time, I'm not. Yes, I am definitely defined by what I study. Biology is my life. Not only am I studying Biomedical Science, but the ultimate goal is to be a doctor (didn't make it into undergraduate medicine). I really think that telling people what I study and want job I want in the future tells them a lot about who I am. I love science, I like to think I have a scientific mind and I actually want this to say who I am, because it gives me confidence in a way. I don't know if I can to be defined by who my friends are. I love my friends, but they are all so different, and I'm really different to them. And yeah, I think I can defined by my taste in music as well. I think it shows that I am an individual, a bit unique. I think it is definitely possible to not like who you are. I know this because I have felt it at various points in my life, but now, not so much. I like who I am, I'm proud of everything I've done and who I have become today. I used to think that if I could change anything about myself it would be to get rid of my glasses, but now I think they really make me who I am; distinguishable in a way? Haha. I just wouldn't be Karagh without them. So I don't think there is anything I would change at the moment. I'm pretty happy with who I am.
Well that took me a good hour and a bit, but it was actually pretty enjoyable. I hope you all, not just Tom, enjoy reading this and getting to know me a bit better.
What kinda music do you like? Why? Did you ever like any other sort? What do you think of the indie scene? What about the mainstream stuff? Is there any music you hate? What do you think of people who get off knowing about obscure bands?
When I was in Year 8, the Triple J One Night Stand was held in my town. Prior to this, I admit, with shame, that I was very much into mainstream music. My favourite bands were Simple Plan and Good Charlotte. However, after watching The Living End very intently, my world was turned around. I became an avid Triple J listener and haven't turned back since. I suppose now, I listen to Little Red, Birds of Tokyo, Sparkadia, Washington, Sia, Sally Seltmann, Jebediah, Vampire Weekend, British India, Angus and Julia Stone, Children Collide, Eskimo Joe... I could go through my entire iPod for you. Although I am guilty of liking a few random mainstream songs, I'm not really a fan. I find it sounds very similar and the lyrics have no real meaning to them a lot of the time. If I like a mainstream song it's probably because I like to dance to it, in which case I'm hardly listening to the music properly. I don't think there is any music I hate, although I'm not a fan of country, and I'm fussy with hip hop and rap. Also, I don't really like much "trance" or electronic music or whatever it's called. As for people who get off on knowing about obscure bands, I get a bit annoyed. Indie artists seem to be appearing a bit more often on mainstream radio lately, and there are people who will like the one song that always gets played, and think they're that band's "number one fan". I have met a few people like this, I don't know if there's a massive population of them or not. But it's almost like... Well, for example, I was friends with this girl. She always claimed she was so unique, such an individual. But the truth is, she was trying so hard to be unique, that she was just following the crowd in everything she did. I feel like this is almost like that. Maybe. Do you see where I'm coming from?
Do you watch TV? What about reading? Or do you play video games? Is the modern version of reading a novel playing video games? Or is the modern version of reading a novel reading a modern novel? Do you think people do it for the escapist element? Do you? Are you comfortable with that?
Yes, I do watch TV. But not as often as I used to. Now I tend to buy DVDs of TV shows and watch them. Mainly because here I don't have Austar like I did at home, and I don't seem to have much time to turn on the TV and watch it all night. However, when I do, it's usually the Big Bang Theory. My favourite TV shows would be Pushing Daises, Offspring, Dexter and Breaking Bad. So many that have been cancelled as well; Dead Like Me, Veronica Mars... I love reading, but I lost time for it during Year 12 and have found it increasingly difficult to get back into reading for leisure rather than study. If anyone were to write me a list of good books I would definitely look into it though. I also dabble in video games, mainly Pokemon, and The Sims. I also love the Wii, I just have this obsession with it. I'm addicted to Boom Blox. My favourite game would actually be the Ace Attorney series on the Nintendo DS. I'm a pretty amateur gamer, but I really enjoy a good game. I don't think this is the modern version of reading a novel though. I think reading is timeless, it should never be replaced. I think some people probably do do it for the escapist element, but not me, I just like to have a bit of fun.
Do you know your family history? Are you proud of it? Do you care at all?
I actually love hearing about my family history. My mother did some research into our family tree a few years back. Well, some very intense research. Although there are still some gaps, basically my family on my mother's side were from Germany, and arrived in Australia in the early 20th century I believe. There were also a few from the UK... My father's side are mainly from England, and one of his ancestors was actually a knight. That's something that I found really cool.
Do you have a life story? Or do you think events are just happening and they aren’t connected?
This is a really tough question I think, for me anyway. I feel like I have a life story to tell (although it may not be very interesting, just a lot of moving around), but I'm not sure if all of the events are connected or not. I think many of them are, but a few area just random happenings. I'm afraid my life story would be nothing more than going to lots of different primary schools, being bullied, with a few accomplishments thrown in here and there. 2010 was probably the most interesting year of my life; I surpassed my own expectations, achieved Year 12 results that I'm so proud of, lost friends, and made some, had a pretty tumultuous relationship... Overall, a great but stressful year. But is this really part of my life story? Is it connected to everything that happened before that? Who knows...
Do you believe in a god or the supernatural? Do you believe what you’d like to be true or what you think is true? If you do, why doesn’t everyone know?
This question is even trickier. I actually can't say that I believe in God or that I don't. I believe the term a friend of mine used was agnostic theism, although I am not sure of it's exact meaning... I am a very strong believer in evolution and in science, so it's easy for me to say that there is no evidence for God and creationism etc. But I don't want to say that. I believe there has to be something that we just can't explain. There has to be something more to this world than what we see and touch. Maybe it's God, maybe it's something else. I think maybe we all have a soul, because there has to be a lot more to what we are than just what is laid out in our genes, and this is coming from a biomed student. I just find it so hard to say that there is no higher power that we can't see and show evidence for it's existence. I don't know if any of that made sense, I hope you see what I'm getting at. So I suppose I believe what I think is true, but at the same time, I would like for all of this to be true. It would be nice if there was something that science couldn't explain. As for the supernatural, I don't really believe in aliens (but I do believe there must be life out in space, but it's probably just bacteria or something), I don't think I believe in demons or vampires or witchcraft or anything like that. But I find myself believing in ghosts a lot of the time. When I hear stories from people about how they swear they have been in a haunted house or seen a ghost, they tell the story with such passion that I can't say they're lying. Maybe there is an explanation for everything they have said, but I just can't decide whether ghosts exist or not.
Where’s the best place to have a date? Is a movie really a good place take a girl? Is it slutty for the girl to be the pursuer in the relationship. That is, the girl is the one who gets the guys phone number, asks him out etc..
I'd just like to say that I like dates. They seem to happen less and less often these days but I think it'd be so nice to be asked on a date. A date at the movies... Hmm, maybe not in the beginning of a relationship. If you're just getting to know someone there is no point in going to the movies, you can't talk to each other! Maybe after you have started going out, and you really really want to see a movie or something. I think I like to reserve movies for friend outings sometimes. So, a great place for a date for me, would probably be going out for tea, or for lunch, or even for a coffee somewhere. Then just going for a walk somewhere nice together and talking. I would like to say a perfect date would be a picnic somewhere pretty, but I'm not sure how many guys do this anymore, haha. I sure hope it's not slutty for the girl to be the pursuer in the relationship. I'm a bit shy, but if it came down to it I would pursue a guy I had an interest in. I know it's always a bit romantic to have the guy ask you out, and I would prefer this because I seem to have a fear of rejection. But I do not think it's slutty for a girl to ask a guy out, and especially not to ask for his phone number!
A guy and a girl are on a date. The night went rather well but after they leave *wherever they were* and walk down a dark alley *for some reason* they get held up by a guy demanding their money. What should the guy in the date do? Hand over his money or fight the other guy? What is the mugger had a knife? Or a gun?
I don't think fighting is very attractive, but more importantly, no one wants a date to end in tragedy. Losing your money is a lot less upsetting than being shot, stabbed or injured. If the guy I was on a date with tried to fight the mugger, I don't think I would swoon exactly. I would probably be even more scared.
When someone asks you how you are, what do you think of? What, to you, defines whether your life is going well or not? Having a boyfriend, good grades, good food, …?
I used to think someone with a good life had all of that. A boyfriend, excellent grades, etc. But now I see that I can be happy without those things. That's not to say I wouldn't like to be in a relationship or be getting HDs for everything, but just because I don't it doesn't mean my life isn't going well. In my opinion, if I feel happy regardless of those things, my life is going well. As long as you enjoy what you're doing with you life, and are healthy and have enough money to get by, your life is good. I get really annoyed when people say their life is horrible and worthless because they don't have a boyfriend/girlfriend etc, because there are people in this world who are much worse off than them. I know it gets pretty lonely without one, but we can survive. I think all of these just add that little bit of happiness to your life, which is great. But on the other hand, you could have a boyfriend and your life might not be going well, it might not be a good relationship. So you know, there are plenty of ways to look at this.
How do you define yourself? Is it your taste in music? Is it who your friends are, what you own, what your job is, what you study, …? Is it possible to not like who you are? Do you like who you are? If you don’t, would you do anything to change it?
I hate writing in those About Me sections on Facebook and other websites, because I feel like I can never accurately define myself in a few sentences. I think I'm defined by all of those things above, but at the same time, I'm not. Yes, I am definitely defined by what I study. Biology is my life. Not only am I studying Biomedical Science, but the ultimate goal is to be a doctor (didn't make it into undergraduate medicine). I really think that telling people what I study and want job I want in the future tells them a lot about who I am. I love science, I like to think I have a scientific mind and I actually want this to say who I am, because it gives me confidence in a way. I don't know if I can to be defined by who my friends are. I love my friends, but they are all so different, and I'm really different to them. And yeah, I think I can defined by my taste in music as well. I think it shows that I am an individual, a bit unique. I think it is definitely possible to not like who you are. I know this because I have felt it at various points in my life, but now, not so much. I like who I am, I'm proud of everything I've done and who I have become today. I used to think that if I could change anything about myself it would be to get rid of my glasses, but now I think they really make me who I am; distinguishable in a way? Haha. I just wouldn't be Karagh without them. So I don't think there is anything I would change at the moment. I'm pretty happy with who I am.
Well that took me a good hour and a bit, but it was actually pretty enjoyable. I hope you all, not just Tom, enjoy reading this and getting to know me a bit better.
Saturday, 14 May 2011
30 Day Film Challenge
I was doing this challenge on my old Facebook profile. I had a few days left, so I've just added them onto the end. I must admit, it was actually pretty fun, although I bet people got sick of seeing my links in the news feed everyday. I will eventually get to finishing the 30 Day Song Challenge as well.
Day 1 - Your Favourite Film: Heathers
Day 1 - Your Favourite Film: Heathers
Day 2 - Your Least Favourite Film: Date Movie
Day 3 - A Film You Watch to Feel Good: Me, Myself and Irene
Day 4 - A Film That Makes You Feel Down: My Sister's Keeper
Day 5 - A Film That Reminds You of Someone: Adam
Day 6 - A Film That Reminds You of Somewhere: My Neighbour Totoro
Day 7 - A Film That Reminds You of Your Past: The Clique
Day 8 - The Film That You Can Quotes Best: Mean Girls
Day 9 - A Film With Your Favourite Actor: Benny & Joon
Day 10 - A Film With Your Favourite Actress: Riding In Cars With Boys
Day 11 - A Film By Your Favourite Director: Big Fish
Day 12 - A Film By Your Least Favourite Director: Titanic
Day 13 - A Guilty Pleasure: Cluless
Day 14 - A Film That No One Expected You To Like: Blade Runner
Day 15 - A Film That Depicts Your Life: Looking for Alibrandi
Day 16 - A Film You Used To Love But Now Hate: 50 First Dates
Day 17 - Your Favourite Drama Film: The Boy in The Striped Pyjamas
Day 18 - Your Favourite Comedy Film: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Day 19 - Your Favourite Action Film: True Romance
Day 20 - Your Favourite Romantic Film: The Time Traveler's Wife
Day 21 - Your Favourite Fantasy Film: Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban
Day 22 - Your Favourite Horror Film: Sleepy Hollow
Day 23 - Your Favourite Thriller/Mystery Film: Misery
Day 24 - Your Favourite Animated Film: Howl's Moving Castle
Day 25 - Your Favourite Documentary Film: The Blue Planet
Day 26 - Your Favourite Foreign Language Film: Kommissar Rex
Day 27 - Your Favourite Independent Film: Juno
Day 28 - The Most Obscure Film You Have Ever Seen: Married Life
Day 29 - Your Favourite Film As a Kid: Napoleon
Day 30 - Your Favourite Film This Time Last Year: Heathers
Sub cruce lumen.
A post about university, how original. More importantly, it is a post about my university, and all those little things I love about it, and being a uni student in general. I had always had my heart set on the University of Adelaide. Whenever we would visit the city and drive along North Terrace I would see the sandstone buildings and something inside me just knew it was the right university for me. When it came to applying for university last year, I only applied for one out of six courses at a different university, and that was only because it also offered undergraduate Medicine. Perhaps it's the part of me that loves success, it was just chance really that Adelaide Uni offered courses I was interested in.
The University of Adelaide is a Group of Eight member, and one of the leading universities in the world, not that I knew any of that at the time. I didn't research any of the universities before applying; there were only three options and I never really considered UniSA. I feel like my uni has this amazing history behind it. Being the oldest in South Australia, there have been so many extraordinary people walk through it's doors. Douglas Mawson, William Bragg, five Nobel laureates, including Sir Howard Florey, the man who inspired me to pursue a career in the field of Medicine.
Moving on to the present day, I am a first year student studying Biomedical Science. I was scared of uni to be honest, but I don't feel the transition could have been any easier. I love my courses, and I know I'm going to love my degree, albeit it not being my first preference (I curse the UMAT). I just feel at home at uni. There is nothing in this world I would want to do that doesn't involve going to uni. I feel at peace when I walk through the grounds, and when I occasionally hear the orchestra playing in Elder Hall I remember how amazing this place is, and how lucky I am to be there.
At university, you can't help but be surrounded with people who are quite similar to you. It's very easy to find people with common interests, and most of the people I have met are absolutely lovely. As tough as it is sometimes, I enjoy going to uni, and I enjoy everything I learn, and especially my practicals. Oh the practicals, undoubtedly my favourite part of university. Such a big leap from the practicals at high school, I've been doing things that would have seemed far too complicated for me to be able to do just a few months ago. That's another thing I love about uni, my confidence has increased ten fold. I'm doing things and learning things that I never knew I was capable of.
I was told that I have the inquisitive mind of a true scientist. This is probably the most important thing that has been said to be at university so far. I love my university, and although I eagerly await graduation and stepping out into the "real world", I really am going to make the most of the next few years. I might even stay and do Honours.
A New Beginning
"Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over."
This is still the same blog, but I feel as though it's time for a fresh start. My old blog posts seemed to have a lot more to do with a painful break up than anything else, and I don't feel as though that really says who I am, not the new me anyway. So with a new beginning, comes a brighter, happier, more entertaining Karagh, or so I like to think. Being bitter just eats away at you, so from now on it's all smiles, at least until exam time rolls around in a few weeks.
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