I never thought I would study my masters…
While completing my final undergrad year in London studying English literature, I didn’t even consider the idea of further studies and went straight into working. I received a spontaneous offer to teach abroad in Taiwan and took it, leaving a month after my graduation. Taiwan was amazing!
Honestly, I didn’t know much about Taiwan until I was offered the job, but I discovered bubble tea as well as gaining experience in their culture, the humidity, earthquakes (which was crazy!!) and got to travel to all the wonderful cities it offers. I miss Taiwan often – especially after having returned to the cold British weather.
However, while I was working, I realised how much I missed university and all the aspects of student life but I pushed forward on the idea of working despite having decided that teaching was not for me in the long run. I was interested in working in the marketing and PR industry. Although, trying to find a job role that I wanted turned out to be quite hard as I wasn’t qualified or hadn’t studied a business-related course.
That was the moment I thought that I should return home to the UK and study my masters. I applied to study Corporate Communications, Marketing and PR at the University of Leeds. I wanted to continue travelling and not get comfortable by returning home to London, so I thought why not explore the UK and live in another city? The University of Leeds was reputable and part of the Russell group which helped me make my decision, along with being a student city.
Fast forward to September, I was moving to Leeds upon returning from Taiwan. I was nervous to start my course as It was my first time here and I didn’t know anyone so I wasn’t sure if I would like it once it started. There was a large course size — around 140 students. I was surprised with how many international students there were as around only 10% of us were British! This was something I liked because there was a large mix of cultures and people to meet. Through a two-week orientation and group work set from the beginning of the modules, friendships were formed very quickly and easily. You’d have to purposely be anti-social to not make any friends at all!
To be honest, doing my Masters was tiring at times; especially when I had to be at uni from 9am to 8pm. But I told myself that I am only at university for one year and I need to make the most of the opportunities I had. I think this mind set is motivating and pushed me to try new things.
So, what I am trying to get through here is to experience working, go to university, discover what is for you and whatever you decide, make the most of the experience!