By Aoife Burke
Hello, everybody!
As I write this, it is late at night and the wind is howling outside. I can’t believe that by the time this is published, we will be halfway through the first semester. Everyone is at different stages of their courses but I am amazed at myself. My attendance is 100% and I have gotten through several books so far. Much of my time is spent reading textbooks, which are costing me a fortune, or writing up essays and reflective pieces. I may not have the most sophisticated of presentations but I can write essays for Ireland! My lovely brother picked out a second–hand Lenovo laptop for me, which cost €290 refurbished and I am delighted with it. I even got a leather laptop bag thrown in for free!
I literally think I can just manage the course work now, but I don’t know how I can fit in a part–time job. I have applied for retail work over Christmas so I am waiting to hear back. I am finding the cost of food expensive. I was delighted with the deal at Sult to buy a coffee and porridge for €2.20. Also, pot noodles are a great idea. I am trying to bring in my own meals and, of course, trying to make sure I relax, as I have learned I work so much better when I have had some downtime. We are all there to learn and I am on a journalism programme, so I’m currently learning how to write news articles. Not as easy as it looks but practice makes perfect.
I have at this stage started to read Beowulf for my English course and I really love it. Of course, it’s the translated version by Seamus Heaney. I have to make a decision next year whether I will choose law or English for my degree, as I can only do one. It seems to be a tough call. Perhaps, in time, I will be surer. I was down the courthouse for a law assignment this morning and it’s a scary place. I’m glad I wasn’t in front of a judge, though she seemed lovely.
I’m really looking forward to Halloween in a few weeks time, and I have plans to buy and carve a pumpkin this year. We had that scary storm not too long ago. OK, Lorenzo wasn’t that scary, but you can never be too sure. Where I live, the porch gets flooded after a storm and then the postman puts the post on the wet ground. So annoying! Soggy post! We have started assignments now and I hope everyone gets good results!
I’m currently planning a trip to New York with my sisters. It’s booked for two years from now, but it’s really important to have something to look forward to. College can seem overwhelming sometimes, even though I’ve had a ball so far.
Until next time!
Aoife x
