I only seem to blog when I’m off ill or on holiday. I’m kinda doing both at the moment. I had unused TOIL from last academic year and I woke up this  morning with a case of burn out and ongoing backache.

I feel like a lot has happened but newer things push the older memories out. Oh well. I hope I don’t miss anything important.

Offer
I had my interview two weeks ago and was offered a place on MAIAP. I haven’t had time to take it in and, occasionally, when I remind myself I was offered the place I start to panic. I wish I had some time off before it starts so I can prepare a bit. But, nope. When I went into the interview I was expecting them to say they like me but I just don’t have enough experience yet. It turns out that I do have the experience. Wow.

Manifesto
When I was a student last academic year, I stood for part-time rep. After withdrawing from my course the position remained vacant. I’m not sure if it is still vacant but if it is I’m going to see if I can get co-opted in. It’s weird reading the manifesto now. It feels like a lifetime ago. brightonsu.com/elections/manifesto/639/

Year
It has been just over a year since there were two bereavements in my family. I regret not taking better care of myself at the time but that’s easy to say in hindsight. Looking back has been therapeutic, though. I vividly remember the grief at the time and feeling like I was in a fog. I remember the stress of dealing with various official bodies and the administration of death. I remember the days visiting back home that dragged like months. I am so relieved that those days have passed.

Collage
Lately I’ve been practicing art again. I had to put a portfolio together for my interview and I made some pieces to show my museum mentee. I enjoyed making an alumni themed collage.
https://twitter.com/ninabrighton/status/770605191620067328

Minecraft
Minecraft: Education Edition is free to try for those of you with an academic email address. I’m hoping to set up a collaborative build. At the moment, it’s just hard getting the word out to the student population.

Pens
I’ve got another photo up on StudentCentral this month.

Anxiety
My museum mentee sessions so far have been done with the assistance of the museum volunteer coordinator (who is brilliant and very supportive). Next month, I start sessions without her assistance and I’m a little bit nervous. Well, actually more than a little bit nervous. It feels unprofessional vocalising my feelings about being afraid to do something alone. I know these feelings will pass. But the meantime is difficult.