Graduation thoughts from website writer

Almost three years ago, I wrote here on AudlemOnline about my thoughts at leaving home for the first time to study at university.

I, like many I now realise, felt the idea of living alone in a new city with strange people was an exciting but daunting prospect. On reflection, the experience has been an overwhelmingly positive one and it has completely changed both my demeanor and outlook on life. I couldn't recommend it enough.

In October 2011, I travelled to Durham as a naïve and nervous eighteen year-old with vague notions of somehow attaining a 2:1 and eventually becoming a journalist. Now I'm 21 years old, First Class History & Politics Honours in the bag and a job working with children in the pipeline. It's been quite a journey.

My university experience was undoubtedly the greatest three years of my life, because it offered me so much: specifically, the chance to be completely independent and the opportunity to get involved in a huge range of sports, societies and committees, all of which have shaped my character and life choices.

I will forever be grateful to Durham for conferring upon me a degree. Yet I have to agree with the somewhat clichéd sentiments of my University Vice-Chancellor, who often reminded students: "Don't let your degree get in the way of your education".

University, and living away from home for the first time, is an education. Taking charge of a £10,000 youth project made me a confident public speaker and an adept manager.

Volunteering with Durham Constabulary improved my problem-solving and analytical skills and gave me an invaluable glimpse into the world of work. And playing a big part in two promotion-winning football teams was a hell of a lot of fun.

Such prospects greet any prospective university student, and indeed anyone flying the nest for the first time, whether it is to further education, work, or a combination of the two. It is these opportunities that made me the person I am today, and these memories that I will cherish most when I reflect back upon my time in Durham.

Leaving my family, home and my village behind was a tough choice to make. Three years later, I look back upon it as the best decision I ever made.

I suppose that the degree is what I actually went there for in the first place. Yet it is the friends I have made and the memories we created together that have shaped me as a person and have had the greatest impact on me.

For anyone in the same position as I was three years ago, preparing for his or her first experience away from home, all I can say is: throw yourself into it. Treasure every moment and make the most of it. It could be the best thing you've ever done.

AudlemOnline adds: We also have a story today about six Roving Reporters from the Audlem's primary school on AudlemOnline.

Perhaps Alex's example – for which many congratulations from the webteam – may be a great encouragement to our young reporters. Whatever, it's very pleasing to be able to publish two success stories on the same day about the younger members of our community.

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.