29 year old graduate

This week, I graduate! Four years of university and six years of study behind me - my whole career ahead of me. I'm not certain how I feel right now nervous, excited, nostalgic but I have to say it's all rather unnerving. 

I know I'm 29 (much older than most graduates) and should be ready for full time work and in most ways I am. I'm ready for routine, a stimulating, exciting career and I'm definitely ready for a full time wage - but the idea of life post uni is daunting. Going from student to employee is a big life change, there's a whole lot of responsibility on my shoulders and university life hasn't really prepared me for this. Note to professors - prepare students for adult life, maybe adulting could become a new module? 

I worked hard for my degree and will be graduating with a 2:1. This is something I'm proud of but on the other hand I' am somewhat disappointed I'm not finishing with a 1st. I know that its ridiculous to feel a little disheartened as when I think about it an upper 2nd class degree is pretty bloody great. Why do we always put so much pressure on ourselves? Why do we constantly compare ourselves to others? Why does others successes impact our own? These have been some of the questions that have been swirling round my head over the last few weeks.

The last 6 months of my life have been tough probably the toughest of my entire life and I'm happy I managed to graduate at all. 

My beautiful mother died of Cancer in January and my world fell apart. In that time my degree felt pointless and small, how could a degree mean anything anymore if my Mum was no longer in my life. Somehow I managed to carry on, this was mainly done for my Mum, she was very proud of my study and letting her down was something I could never do. My future life also needed my degree. Yes, rent, food and bills don't come for free. 

By my last assignment I really had lost enthusiasm and this is what ultimately let my grade down. Writing a 6000 word project, whilst searching for a job is not an easy task.

On my last day in university I felt incredibly sad and nostalgic. I really have loved my time at university and I will remember it fondly. University has changed me, mostly for the best. I've learnt a lot about who I am and what I want from life and most of all how much I love to study, research and write. I love it mainly for turning my dream (yes, it's a little cringe but the thesaurus offered no alternative) into a reality. I'm sure I've got a long way to go in my career but I think I'm ready for the journey, ups and downs and all.

Something that always made me doubt returning to study was the thought of leaving university without a job. I knew I would be nearly thirty years of age and needed to start my career ASAP! This thought has constantly driven me throughout the last few years and I'm happy to know I am graduating with a job I wanted and love. I understand it's not always that easy; the job market is competitive and gaining industry experience is what possibly sealed my current role. 

My advice to anyone who is thinking about going to university or returning to study - without a doubt you have to go for it, no matter what age or stage of your life you are at you should seek the career or job you love. I know there's barriers that can get in the way, family commitments or money but we spend the majority of our adult lives at work and if you're not enjoying what you're doing, it makes those Sunday night blues even worse. Plus this year I've learnt that life's too short to not make yourself happy.

Ph Credit - The Red List 

Lately

So I've become somewhat non existent on the blog recently - I do apologise. I'm currently on my way to hand in my second to last assignment brief - YIPPEE!!!

I really can't believe I've almost completed my second year at uni, if I'd had blinked I would have missed it! Luckily amongst the last stressed filled couple of months their has been some high points and that being gaining an industry placement for my sandwich year. I'm going to be working in supply chain and learning about ethical auditing within the fashion and manufacturing industry. I've loved the last two years at uni but I'm definitely excited to start gaining some much needed hands on experience. Hopefully it will also give me more chance to focus on the blog too. Until then my Instagram @fayeelizabethfashionjournal will hopefully keep you entertained!

On Instagram

 

Life's been rather hectic recently and and haven't had the chance to blog as much as I would like. For you readers who don't already know - the blog has Instagram. 

Here's a few snippets from my life over the last few weeks!

For more of the above including lots of 'from where I'm standing' shots and 'outfit of the day' pictures Follow @fayeelizabethfashionjournal 

Enjoy x

 

University attire

Bag and T-shirt | Topshop. Jeans | New Look. Coat | H&M. Trainers | Nike (JD Sports)

Considering I spend a large amount of my time at University I figured why not share my university apparel. For me everyday items have to be effortless, casual and comfortable - but with a little added twist. At the moment these Nike dual fusion trainers make an appearance on a daily basis giving my outfit a splash of colour. Teamed with some blue jeans, an oversized coat and tartan scarf - I'm ready for lectures and the cold weather.

Happy November!

Fashion and Events Lecture

 Josef Jammerbund - The British Fashion Council - Head of Events

The best thing about being a fashion student is the opportunities. In the last year I have worked with Trend Bible and learnt about future consumer trends, contributed to the Universities Creative Arts blog. Worked on placement as a Assistant Buyers Assistant at The Baird Group (BMB) a Menswear brand company and last week I attended a very informative lecture about both fashion and events management within the fashion industry. 

Two speakers took to the stage to speak about their chosen career paths. Firstly Tracy Martin 'Collectable Names in Fashion' was her lecture title. Tracy has written a variety of books and worked with the BBC on Flog it and ITV's This Morning. Her lecture informed us of her love for vintage fashion and she spoke about her favourite designs through the decades. Coco Chanel, Jacques Fath, Ossie Clark and Elsa Schiaparelli to name a few.

Next to the stage was Josef Jammerbund Head of Events for The British Fashion Council. Josef talked about working for The British Fashion Council on a variety of amazing fashion calender events. Including of course London Fashion Week, London Fashion Weekend, London collections Men and The British Fashion Awards to name a few. 

The lecture was very insightful followed by a Q&A with the speakers who answered students questions and gave advice on how to get into the industry. 'Networking' was their best tip. Overall a fun filled lecture on what was a very rainy Thursday night. I can't wait for the next one!!