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Back to University..


So, for me and many others, its that time of year again, back to University, or in my case, back to feelings of loss of a social life and work hard, study harder. Time for me to start setting the alarm clock earlier and get some essay writing and work planning done before even getting to work and then on top of this, spend my Saturday mornings sat on the laptop listening to my fellow students talk about the current work topic.


Image result for youth workI am currently starting my FINAL module (E318) towards my BA(Hons) Youth Work degree with the Open University. That sentence feels really strange to say, it'll be the end of an era, my life has changed so much since starting in October 2013. I've lived in three different places, worked in three different settings and got married in the last year to my beautiful and motivating wife.

During my first module I was living with my best friend and her partner, they were awesome supporting my studies and having someone who was also studying in the house really helped me to keep motivated. I lived alone in a flat for two modules and became a bit more slack with my studies, but with the amazing support from my colleagues, I pushed through the procrastination and came out of two modules with amazing results which motivated me past the mid-stage of the degree. Then last year, I decided to fast-track and complete two modules at the same time and planning a wedding and starting a new job, you're probably thinking, that's silly - but for some reason, probably divine intervention, it all worked. Thanks again to colleagues in both settings and my wife aka 'Mrs Motivator' that kept me going and pushed me further than my own belief to help me succeed. 

So finally, I have settled into my new role within the Youth Emotional Support Service which I thoroughly enjoy, working with an amazing team and management. I’ve finally planned and confirmed my initial work plan ready for submission next week [31-10-2018]. In my full-time role I work with young people aged 11-18 years old, helping them to develop their resilience in relation to emotional well-being to face the battles that life throughs at us all. I’m also working part-time with Arun Youth Projects [Arun Church] still as a Youth Worker in Charge as well as supporting another Youth WiC, two nights a week, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the company of young people and also help them realise the amazing talents they have, support them to develop social skills and ultimately prepare them to be effective citizens within their community and the world! 

All the best to anyone else reading this that is also studying, you own it! If you want to keep in touch and become a ‘motivator-mate’ then I’m well up for that! 

BIG LOVE

MATT
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