This week is Personal Development Week where I work. And I thought I’d use the time to reacquaint myself with some of my old passions that have been hidden underneath studying and data entry. I’ve worked and studied in Canterbury for a year but I rarely see the city. Before moving to Kent I was a museum buff. And my biggest passion is museum learning (you have no idea how much I miss my old friends and ex-colleagues in Brighton Museum).

The Beaney

So, when I saw we would be visiting the Beaney I knew I just had to go. When I got to Canterbury it had started snowing!!! So I went to the Beaney an hour early because I was afraid of the ground getting icier (nothing to do with my getting the time wrong – d’oh). It did not disappoint.

I love seeing learning/play activities in museums. I am interested in how the curators and learning departments have embodied the feel of the displays into the activities.

My favourite room was Materials and Masters. The room contains a cabinet of dolls house furniture. I used to have a dolls house in my youth and would often imagine how amazing it would be to shrink and live in it. Then I saw Honey, I Shrunk The Kids and I changed my mind. But seeing the furniture reminded me of how much I used to enjoy little worlds.

I also loved looking at the bicycles in the café. I got a bicycle for my birthday this year and I have been relearning to cycle (my balance isn’t what it used to be – hence relearning). I hope I can build my confidence again – cycling gave me such immense happiness.

Augustine House library had a handful of interesting workshops for Personal Development Week. There was a Shout It Out workshop to talk about social media (including blogging – hello!). I probably didn’t start in the best spirit:

Life in the library

But I thought my commentary on slimline technology was hilarious (quite why it didn’t go viral I do not know).

Trying to find the power button

Speaking of going viral, I discovered the CCCUMeme Instagram page and it’s brilliant.

There was also a zine making workshop. I didn’t feel inspired as I frequently make collages and reflect on my life goals (y’know – it’s my thing). But you betcha I rang in an illustration:

My goals

I also had my Canterbury College Student Union Officer induction. I’ll be volunteering four hours a week in their office until summer. I have a student and trade union history so it feels great to be volunteering in this area again.

CCSU

Personal Development Week, for me, was all about finding my passions again. I get so bogged down in day-to-day things that I rarely leave my desk. And my hobbies become abandoned. I am going to make a conscious effort not to let that happen again.