Southampton and Other Stories
Wednesday was one heck of a day! Up early to catch the train down to SOuthampton Uni for an interview. Have to say I'd intended it mainly as practice for ST George's (assuming that comes through - what's happening??), but in the end I really liked the place. It was a modern building, lots of equipment, some fascinating sounding research, and the people I met were all amazingly friendly and made me feel like it would be a great place to spend time at - assuming I canget round the practical details.
Anyway - I arrived, and met up with two women who at a guess were in their thirties - both formerly dressed, so I was glad I'd taken the trouble to wear a tie and posh trousers. We were given a quick form to fill in to talk about personal circumstances where we'd been stressed, had to take a stand, and stuff like that, which was quite a shock as I had to fill it in on the spot, but I think I did a good job, and managed to use each to "sell" myself quite well.
It was great to talk to other peeps in a similar boat to me - one was goingto have to go back to live with her parents, and I think we all felt good about the fact that we weren't the only nutters taking this less than standard route through life! Then it was onto the interviews - although it was really all very relaxed and a nice casual chat - a chance for us to show why we wanted to do the course. The only slightly tricky question was whether I'd choose Kings or Southampton, I said I'd need to see Kings first but I was very impressed with Southampton - which was an entirely genuine answer.
Then it was lunch, and a lot of 18 year olds arrived (some with parents) for an open day type thing, and we joined in for the talk and tour. The more I heard the more I liked the place, and the tour of facilities was impressive - they have a great sports centre for £80 a year!!
Anyway - then it was back to Sutton, grab some chips, stuff them down (standing by the moped) and head off to college, and manage to arrive just in time. I was glad I had taken the bike and parked it opposite the station! We had a productive evening goign through old papers. I got home knackered, to find a nice cheque with a tax refund waiting for me, plus an offer from UEL for a B, and also an offer of some teaching work - what a day! It'll be a few days until I hear from Southampton, but I have tos ay that apart from the distance thing I'm enormously positive, and expect to get an offer (probably another B - which will make five)
The teachign work has me slightly apprehensive - I agreed to start Monday which is before my exam - I hope I'll have done enough by then and just be on "maintenance" revision - it's only a few hours teaching so I can still fit in a bit - and maybe not do too mcuh in the days before which I think may have left me more stressed last time!!
It's odd to think of going back to DLD (my old work) - I'll teach some of my old students, which is great, as I liked that group, but I won't be head of department any more and making decisions. It will be hard not to tread on my successors toes - I'm not one naturally to take a back seat if asked how to solve something or asked for my opinion, and ultimately it's his department now, and by all accounts he seems to be doign excellently! I'll be at DLD but not a full part of DLD, which will be odd. I do think the social interaction will do me a lot of good though - I've been getting too isolated of late and it hasn't been makign me happy. Here's hoping I pick up a few more sessions a week too, although I'm not going to go above three days. It's dribs and drabs at the moment, but will help reduce the drain on my savings, while givign my a bit of a boost energy-wise as well I think. And hopefully I'll pick up some more hours too.
Anyway - I arrived, and met up with two women who at a guess were in their thirties - both formerly dressed, so I was glad I'd taken the trouble to wear a tie and posh trousers. We were given a quick form to fill in to talk about personal circumstances where we'd been stressed, had to take a stand, and stuff like that, which was quite a shock as I had to fill it in on the spot, but I think I did a good job, and managed to use each to "sell" myself quite well.
It was great to talk to other peeps in a similar boat to me - one was goingto have to go back to live with her parents, and I think we all felt good about the fact that we weren't the only nutters taking this less than standard route through life! Then it was onto the interviews - although it was really all very relaxed and a nice casual chat - a chance for us to show why we wanted to do the course. The only slightly tricky question was whether I'd choose Kings or Southampton, I said I'd need to see Kings first but I was very impressed with Southampton - which was an entirely genuine answer.
Then it was lunch, and a lot of 18 year olds arrived (some with parents) for an open day type thing, and we joined in for the talk and tour. The more I heard the more I liked the place, and the tour of facilities was impressive - they have a great sports centre for £80 a year!!
Anyway - then it was back to Sutton, grab some chips, stuff them down (standing by the moped) and head off to college, and manage to arrive just in time. I was glad I had taken the bike and parked it opposite the station! We had a productive evening goign through old papers. I got home knackered, to find a nice cheque with a tax refund waiting for me, plus an offer from UEL for a B, and also an offer of some teaching work - what a day! It'll be a few days until I hear from Southampton, but I have tos ay that apart from the distance thing I'm enormously positive, and expect to get an offer (probably another B - which will make five)
The teachign work has me slightly apprehensive - I agreed to start Monday which is before my exam - I hope I'll have done enough by then and just be on "maintenance" revision - it's only a few hours teaching so I can still fit in a bit - and maybe not do too mcuh in the days before which I think may have left me more stressed last time!!
It's odd to think of going back to DLD (my old work) - I'll teach some of my old students, which is great, as I liked that group, but I won't be head of department any more and making decisions. It will be hard not to tread on my successors toes - I'm not one naturally to take a back seat if asked how to solve something or asked for my opinion, and ultimately it's his department now, and by all accounts he seems to be doign excellently! I'll be at DLD but not a full part of DLD, which will be odd. I do think the social interaction will do me a lot of good though - I've been getting too isolated of late and it hasn't been makign me happy. Here's hoping I pick up a few more sessions a week too, although I'm not going to go above three days. It's dribs and drabs at the moment, but will help reduce the drain on my savings, while givign my a bit of a boost energy-wise as well I think. And hopefully I'll pick up some more hours too.
posted by XFR Bear @ 9:24 am
1 Comments:
what a good day
:))
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