Uni Planning: The University of York

As some of you will already know, I am currently at the oh-so pleasant stage of trying to decide what I want to do with my life for the next 4/5 years. I've been sifting through University prospectuses now for what feels like a lifetime, and although I am pretty much set on the course that I would like to take, trying to decide exactly where I would like to study seems impossible. In the past month, I have managed to visit three Universities around the UK, and although it has been super useful for helping me decide on which Universities I do and do not like, it's also been so much fun to explore parts of my country which I have never seen before. I absolutely love travelling and seeing new places. The first University I visited was the University of York, and it was the most beautiful place I think I have ever seen. As my family live up North, I'm so surprised I've never been to see the charms of the city before, but whether I get into York Uni or not, I will most certainly be visiting the city again.

The day began with a gruelling 4.30am start, as it takes around 3 and half to 4 hours to drive up to York, and we had specific times that we had to be at the Uni for. My Dad, Lena and I made it to the newly built campus at around 10am, and I felt like I was sold on the Uni as soon as I saw it. It seemed to be secluded from everything else, and was surrounded by lakes and greenery, with modern, homely buildings. It was everything I dreamed it would be, especially as York was always my favourite University just from reading through the prospectuses. 

We then proceeded to take a short bus journey to the main campus, which was slightly older but nevertheless, still very beautiful. I particularly loved how the University was surrounded by lakes and beautiful parks. I could so easily imagine myself sitting down to read and do work on the grass next to the lakes. It all just looked so perfect. 

We attended various seminars on different topics such as accommodation, finance, the History course itself etc. and the more I was told, the more deeply in love I fell with the University. I also loved having my Dad attend the open day with me, as he was pretty much clueless about all things Uni until then, and was quite sceptical about me going to Uni, but it put his mind at ease, which I was so thankful for. 

Once we had done everything we needed to at the Uni itself. we took another bus ride into the city centre, and I don't think I can quite put into words how incredible it is. It featured everything I love about historical cities, and seemed to tick every single box. It was stunning. 

We strolled round the city for the next 2 hours which included a visit to a Church converted bar (which I highly recommend visiting if you ever find yourself in York - it's called 'The Parish' and is awesome!)and a visit to the mighty Cathedral before taking a wander over to the cliché attraction of the Shambles and taking a walk across the huge wall which surrounds the city centre and has stood since the age of the Romans. I think that the city was the cherry on top of a perfect cake for me, especially as I want to study History, and the city features so much background itself.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that I will be able to study at York, especially as it does have high grade boundaries which I am not sure I will be able to meet, however, the city will always hold a piece of my heart, as I fell so deeply in love with it, and I will be sure to visit again sometime soon!

Stay posted for my blog post on my weekend visiting Southampton and Portsmouth Universities which will be available to read over the next week!

(SHOUTOUT TO MY DAD FOR BEING A FAB PHOTOGRAPHER/TAXI DRIVER FOR THE DAY)

What cities do you treasure?

I must not forget to apologize for my absence and lack of blogging over the past month or so! I wish I could say I have been up to lots and that I have many stories to tell, but in all honesty, I have quite enjoyed winding down and doing nothing much at all! I will be sure to make up for it, and have lots planned to write about! :) 

Why I Want To Become a Teacher

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you'll probably know that I am one of the "weird" people who actually really enjoys school. So much so, that the environment I have experienced at my school has inspired me to become a Teacher myself, with the possibility of even teaching at my current school. You're probably thinking I am either the weirdest person ever or some sort of lunatic at this moment in time, and most people who I have shared my plans with often think the same thing. "Why would you want to stay at school?", "I can't wait to get away from here!", "You're so weird!" - I understand that for a lot of people, school isn't the most enjoyable place ever, but for me, it generally has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life, and I am so grateful to be able to live in a country where going to school is a right rather than a privilege. I am incredibly thankful to my school for all it has done for me, and I want to be able to give back in some shape or form, and so what better way than to use the skills I have admired my Teachers deliver and pass them on to someone else in the future!

However, after reading that, you'll probably be quite surprised to know that I've not always felt this way. There was a time, at the start of secondary school, where I was pretty close to being that one kid in the class who the teacher probably wanted to batter. I was never someone who got into fights or was rude to my teachers but I was just very disruptive and I can't imagine how frustrating that must have been for my teachers. I look back now and I am so ashamed, especially as I am now at an age where I can relate more with my teachers. They're not aliens to me any more, and some have openly sat and chatted with me and told me how crappy it makes them feel to be made to feel so useless in front of 30-something bratty children. It must be so intimidating to stand there and be mocked and laughed at by people less than half your age, and when I think about that possibly being me one day, it is quite daunting, but as I have the experience of being the student that every teacher dreads as well as reforming into someone who uses that experience to help kids at my school in the same situation as I once was, I feel like I have the capability to be able to change the way kids feel about school by using my own experience and relating to them through that. I feel like in one way or another, I can relate to most children, and I can show them that although it may seem impossible, they are capable of re-developing themselves and making themselves a better person. I can't imagine how satisfying it must feel to be able to know that you were the person to turn a kids life around and put them back on track. 

Obviously, to be a teacher, you have to be very passionate about what you teach, and its no secret that I am incredibly passionate about History. I am absolutely in love with the idea of being able to stand in front of a class and share my passion with them as a career. It just sounds ideal for me. I love inspiring people, and I feel that being a teacher will give me the perfect opportunity to do just that. To be paid to do something based on one of your favourite things is probably the ideal situation.

I also feel incredibly lucky to have such engaging, inspiring teachers at my own school. I know that for a lot of children, they are not in the same situation, and many schools do not have teachers of such a high quality, and I'd love to be able to take what I have seen at my own school and deliver it somewhere which isn't of such a high standard. I think it makes such a difference when you know that your teacher is generally happy to be there and be doing what they're doing, and that's how I've always felt about my teachers. It is so inspiring and motivating, and if I can use that inspiration I have taken from my teachers, and develop it in my own ways to pass on to other children, I think it could just have such a positive effect on the outlook on education and life in general for the future generations. 

I have always loved being able to help people and make people smile. I think teaching will give me the perfect opportunity to do this, as I will be able to help students reach for and achieve their goals. It must feel amazing to know that your hard work helped a person achieve what they wanted to. I'd like to make more people feel the way I do about school and learning and make it fun and enjoyable! I want to be that one crazy teacher who does wacky things and makes everyone happy. 

Lastly, I do feel quite selfish for taking this as one of the reasons for why I want to become a teacher, although it is the least significant reason. I have such a passion for learning and exploring to gain a deep understanding of the world around me, and so I feel that the holidays you are given as a teacher will give me the chance to fulfil my dreams and aspirations and travel the world to expand on my knowledge. Travelling has always been something I've wanted to do, and if I can work in a job which I classify as perfect, and also fulfil my dreams at the same time, I will be living in an ideal situation.

What is your dream job?

What are the reasons for your aspirations?

Berlin 2015 | Vlog

Back in February, I went on a school History trip to Berlin to expand on my learning about the Cold War. I can honestly say it was the most fantastic experience of my life, and especially with it being my first time ever flying (I know, what have I been doing for the last 17 years?), it will forever be engraved deep in my memory.

Whilst I was in Berlin, I decided to start a video diary so that I could always look back on such a brilliant experience, and I thought it would be such a nice idea, especially as I knew that as soon as I returned home, I would experience major withdrawal symptoms. Little did I know that this would begin before I even arrived back in England. I literally bawled my eyes out at the airport in Berlin whilst waiting to check in.

I am so glad that I did decide to vlog whilst I was in Berlin, because although my finished video is 25 minutes long (and this is the 'short' version - the original is 37 minutes long), I have sat and watched it about 49 times since returning home, and it's so lovely to look back and relive some wonderful memories and see how much of a great time I had. I am sure I will very much value the video as I grow older and look back on it, and I hope my friends will too.

Make sure you check out my vlog, which is attached at the bottom of this post!

Day 1 Highlights - 17|02

Despite the unhealthy meeting time of 3am at the school mini-bus park, I was as cheery as ever and greeted the group with party poppers and streamers, much to their annoyance. We all packed onto the minibuses and headed off to Stansted Airport in which would be my first ever time visiting an airport and boarding a plane *gulp*. After having my flask of tea confiscated at security and being t

4am Airport Vibes

he only one to be searched, which set us back about 10 minutes (this was due to my lack of knowledge on hand luggage restrictions #FirstTimeFlyerProbs) we all rushed to grab some breakfast (and coffee...lots of coffee) before boarding the plane. I can honestly say that the plane ride was no where near as bad as I expected it to be, and I had absolutely nothing to worry about. I was absolutely terrified beforehand, and admittedly, standing through turbulence and experiencing a pretty rocky landing was not my cup of tea, but once we had landed, my initial reaction was "that was actually pretty cool".

• Met our tour guide Gabe - He is the most fascinating person ever who is just bursting with
  
  intelligence. I could have sat and listened to him speak forever.
• Mini-tour of Berlin - We got to see where some historical events took place, such as the book burnings and Hitler's Bunker.
• Visited the worlds largest chocolate shop, Fassbender and Rausch, and treated myself to some of the most delicious little chocolates ever. 
• Jewish Memorial and Jewish Museum - It was very impacting to be surrounded by the memories of such a sensitive topic, and really magnified my perspective on the whole idea. I feel very honoured to have been able to experience this. 
• Restaurant Nolle (1920s Themed) - My first try at "living like a German" resulted in me ordering a Schnitzel which was absolutely delicious. German dishes are also absolutely humongous compared to what we have back home, which was well needed after such a long day filled with lots of walking.

Brandenburg Gate made from CHOCOLATE

Day 2 Highlights - 18|02

• Story of Berlin Museum/Nuclear Bunker - A really cool, interesting museum. I really like how this place was set out, because rather than the traditional style museum with random artefacts placed plainly in a dead space, the museum is more engaging, and kind of makes you feel as though you were actually in the setting in which it is trying to portray. The Nuclear Bunker is attached to the museum, and is quite creepy but very cool. I find it hard to believe that people really had to live in such a way.
• Topography of Terror - A museum which gives very detailed accounts about Nazi control. I found this to be one of the most impacting visits of the trip, just because it really reveals the extent of the terror the Nazis and Secret Police inflicted on people. Some of the stories are very haunting, and I would have like to have spent some more time here, as there was a lot that I didn't get round to seeing.
• Checkpoint Charlie - We didn't stay here long, and although it was pretty awesome to stand in such a significant place, it is now just a cliché tourist attraction where people are trying to make money (there are pretend soldiers who stand at the checkpoint and charge ridiculous amounts to take photos with tourists which I feel ruins the sight in all honesty)
• Brandenburg Gate - It gives a great photo-opt and I feel we had an even greater experience at the Gate than most, thanks to Gabe giving us details on the significance of the landmark and all that has happened in the surrounding areas of it. It was rather interesting. 

  

  Sass Squad at the Brandenburg Gate

• The Reichstag - One of my main highlights of the whole trip; the views on top of the building are absolutely spectacular, and the weather was great for us, which was a bonus. Again, we had Gabe to describe the history of the building, which really added to the experience.
• Mini-Shopping Trip - I was thrilled to be able to squeeze in a tiny bit of shopping in the trip during a lunch break at a Mall. I only bought some new sunglasses (which were completely necessary as the weather was beautiful) and some jewellery, but I left as a very happy little Lauren. 
• Pergamon Museum - Wow. This place is incredible. It features the Ishtar Gate which dates back to 575 BC, which is mind-blowing. Gabe got us to approach the gate looking at the floor and then look up, and our reactions were priceless. I can't possibly describe how magnificent it is, but if you do ever find yourself in Berlin, definitely check it out, you will be pleasantly surprised. 
• Sophieneck - Dinner consisted of German meatballs, and let me tell you, the Germans really do not hold back with their food. There was literally about 3 dinners worth of food on one plate, but once again, it was very tasty. 

  

  Our group in front of the Ishtar Gate

Day 3 Highlights - 19|02

• Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp - I was quite nervous about visiting the concentration camp because I knew it was going to be another highly impacting event of the trip. Although it did really have a strong effect on me, Gabe once again changed my viewing of the situation by describing how the prisoners managed survived rather than the gruesome stories on how they were tortured and slaughtered. He did give both accounts, but it was very inspiring to hear how the prisoners still managed to find the positives in the situation. Again, this will be one of the greatest memories of the trip.
• The Jewish Museum - This museum was different to the one from day 1, and is actually very clever in the way it engages with the visitors. The museum itself is basically a sculpture, and focuses on the entire Jewish history, rather than just the Holocaust. One of the highlights from the museum, was the Holocaust Void, which is a pitch black, confined room with a very tall ceiling which has a tiny split of light, and I actually had to leave immediately after I had entered, just from the impact it had on me. Every visitor interprets the museum differently, and my interpretations just made me very uncomfortable, so I didn't feel like I could stay. The representations of the various parts of the museum are very interesting, so I would definitely recommend visiting the museum if you get the chance, whether you are interested in History or not. It's quite mind-boggling. 
• 12 Apostel - This restaurant is based under a rail-bridge, which sounds strange but its actually really cool. The ceiling is painted with incredible detail, and the restaurant serves the most amazing pizzas and salads (which I know isn't German, but trust me, there portion sizes definitely stuck to German traditions). Our group was split onto 2 tables, and each table ordered about 10 pizzas to share between everyone, along with some various salad dishes. I was defeated pretty quickly in comparison to everyone else, but our table still won the race to finish, so all was good. 

  

  Inside one of the prisoner's cabins at the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, having a talk from Gabe

Day 4 Highlights - 20|02

• The GDR Museum - By day 4, I had come to the conclusion that Berlin has some of the coolest museums ever. The GDR Museum is super interactive and includes dressing up stands, driving stimulation and integration rooms all inspired by life in Germany during the Cold War. We all had a lot of fun here, and it was nice to be able to act like a 10 year old again and roam free. 
• Raddison Blu Hotel - WOW. I really don't know how else to describe it. Although we didn't actually go to the hotel for anything else but to look inside, I am so glad we did. The hotel features a huge, central elevator which is surrounded by a cylindrical aquarium. I will most certainly be going back there one day, and maybe actually to stay in the hotel next time. 
• East Side Gallery - A trip to Berlin would not be complete without a walk alongside the famous street art of the remains of the Berlin Wall. It is truly spectacular, and being an Art student myself, I was mesmerized. I love how symbolic every piece is, and I think it is such a great idea to ensure that the significance and the extent of the division of Germany will never be forgotten. 
• Soviet War Memorial - Gabe gave us a tour of the memorial and informed us about its origins. It's quite spectacular. Most of the information is in Russian, so I would advise reading into it beforehand if you do choose to visit, but it's very impressive and definitely well worth the look. 
• Berlin Wall Memorial - This features a remaining section of the Berlin Wall, which has preserved 'no-mans-land' as well as the wall itself. It was quite scary to see, and know that people felt they had no choice but to attempt to cross the deadly strip in order to gain the freedom they deserved. I can't imagine how terrifying it must have been to be in that situation, but I am glad I got to see the memorial, as it really have an important impact on me. There was also a mini-museum about the Berlin Wall, which I found quite sad, as it goes into detail about some families that were separated, and how people had to leave absolutely everything they owned so that they could escape to the West. 

  

  Our group in front of the Soviet War Memorial

If anyone is planning a trip to Berlin, definitely consider checking out some of the places I've mentioned, especially those fellow History enthusiasts! I found the trip to be absolutely incredible, and will certainly be going back there in the near future, to spend a little more time at the places which were time-limited and explore some more to find some hidden gems of Berlin. The trip will forever be one of my fondest memories, and I feel so privileged to have been a part of trip, and experience some amazing places with some amazing people.

Have you ever been to Berlin?

What were the highlights of your trip?

What countries would you recommend visiting?