Uni, Being a Journo, and Fall out Boy sounding sweeeeeet

Sometimes, even I don't wanna hear about make-up and clothes anymore. I feel like for the longest time all I've gone on about on here is that stuff, and whilst I'm passionate about it, sometimes it's nice to talk about something else, yanno? So when I was trying to think up an idea for this week's post, I was lost. I didn't have time to bake anything and show you a recipe, no new music or videos have been released that I feel compelled to analyse like I've done before (although  Justin Timberlake's new tune and video? Pure gold). But the reality is I haven't had a whole load of time to do these things because I've been busy doing other super exciting things. And with all the mad, mad, mad stuff that has happened since I last updated you guys on what was going on (when even was the last time I did?), I think it's time for a long overdue...

*be prepared for just a weird stream of consciousness :))))*

So, if you're new around here, welcome. Here's a few key facts: 

• My name's Eleanor, but you can call me Ellie if you want. The only reason this isn't 'Everything Ellie' was because that URL was already taken. 
• I'm 18, in debt and a first year student at Southampton Solent University, studying Multimedia Journalism - more on that in a bit.
• I'm a big make up and fashion junkie, who likes to bake and listen to music in their spare time, and that's the kind of content that makes its way onto this blog. 

If you're not bored already, then here's some juicier bits of info...

My Christmas and New Year was very good, thank you very much. Well, in true student style, my New Year celebrations were fab until the wine I consumed decided it didn't want to hang around for much longer and I was shouting "HAPPY NEW YEAR" over my friend's toilet bowl when midnight struck. How lovely. I've had a long break from being at uni - I left my halls on 16th December, and I'm very excited to return tomorrow and visit one of the three Spoons' in walking distance. I'm not an alcoholic, I promise.

Uni is great. As I've already mentioned, I go to Southampton Solent, a very creative university. I absolutely love the artsy atmosphere of the place; I'm constantly inspired there. I think having so many like-minded creative people under the same roof is so beneficial, as we all bounce off each other, and you're pretty much guaranteed to find somebody you share interests with. The people are the best bit about uni imo. The lecturers are fab, and the people on my course, and in my flat, have always been willing to help.

Joining uni was a hugely daunting experience. Before I left for the 3 hour journey to Southampton, I was terrified to get in the car. I sat in my room and wept. It's the first time I've been without my family and close friends for that length of time, and having to fend for yourself in a completely alien city with people you've never met before...that's what I call being chucked in at the deep end. You've just got to remember that the majority of the people there are probably all the in the same situation and are feeling the same kind of feelings as you. I was worried about making friends too, but everyone is looking to meet new people - you're pretty much forced to socialise as soon as you get there. It's true, you are chucked in at the deep end, but getting to know other people is a breeze. 

More about the course: I'm studying Multimedia Journalism. I've known I wanted to be a journalist since I asked my parents on a car journey back from my Nan and Grandad's house what the people who write in Toybox magazine are called. I think I still do want to be a magazine journalist, but I'm also inclined towards online and social media work now too. As well as writing, the course also involves photography, video and radio journalism. I haven't started video yet, radio is a blast, and photography...it's rewarding to see the final images, but my oh my it's a lot of work. Part of my course requires me to do two weeks worth of work experience, which I did this past fortnight (hence why I haven't had a whole load of time to prep blog posts). I worked at a local news paper, and it was so much fun. I'm now a published journalist! How did that happen? Yes, a story of mine about a local school's Ofsted report made it into the paper, with one of my photos making the front page. I don't like to brag ever, but I have to say, I'm actually so proud of myself for getting my foot in the door. I'm not a hugely confident person, and having the guts to do my first face-to-face interviews completely solo, and create work that lots of people are going to see...it's a great feeling. 

So throughout the week I did a number of fun tasks. I genuinely thought I'd be there to make the teas (which I also did do, apparently it improved over the two weeks which is another achievement to tick off), but I did interviews both in person and over the phone - something that I've always been pretty nervy about doing - wrote feature articles and news stories, took illustrative and stock photos, and also got to know the lovely editorial team at the paper. Having such supportive and friendly colleagues for the two weeks helped massively, and I hope to go back there over the summer. Honestly, getting work experience, especially in a creative field, is definitely something work looking into doing. So many employers like to see some experience, while it's also great to get a feel for the working environment, and see whether this is really something you want to go into. In my case, certainly. 

So that's been the life of Eleanor (or Ellie, still your call) for a while. In other news, I got Fall out Boy tickets for Christmas and I'm beyond excited. Heard the new album yet? Would highly recommend. There's even a song with the word 'tea' in the title, so it's pretty much the perfect track list. 

Hope you're having a fab 2018 so far! Big love <3 

From, 

Eleanor