Thoughts on the Second Year of University

"Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us." - Wilma Rudolph.

It's been a while since my last blog post, but after recently finishing the second year of uni, having free time is inevitable.

After successfully completing first year, I was pondering on what to do in my four months off since my course seemed to finish earlier than the rest, but as second year became imminent, I didn't want to go back and face assignments once again. I was enjoying the freedom and the thought of not facing any responsibility yet. Regardless, I was excited.

I was full of excitement when second year began and even after a few days of wearing this new title, I was still excited for everything, especially since I was able to choose my modules for this year.

Although I knew that creative writing contained different forms of storytelling, I was unfamiliar with these forms, or how you were supposed to tell a story through them, so I entered each room bright-eyed and ready to learn three days a week.

(These were mostly 9ams, so my organs were intoxicated with coffee every morning, which may or may not have caused my hyper state during these lectures. I tried so hard to contain this...).

My favourite modules from second year would probably have to be Screenwriting and Digifiction. Screenwriting was a pleasure. As someone who frequently watches dramas, anime and movies, it was interesting to see the process of their completion from a writer's point of view. I adored writing screenplays and could see it as a possible personal project, or even a profession (a screenwriter); it was different from Playwriting, which was surprising since I thought the two were similar. Playwriting shies away from the novelistic-type of writing while Screenwriting embraces it, although it encourages the relaying of information through one's own actions rather than stating it.

Digifiction was a joy. I don't play games, except for the usual MMORPGs online such as Dragon Fable, Wizard 101 and all that jazz when I was younger - there were also dating simulation games, which I still occasionally play (I didn't really have the money for any other games or the game consoles needed, or both). However, I remembered enjoying these games and suddenly became interested in the story-telling aspects of games that contained a narrative.

Us students were introduced to Twine - "an open-source tool for telling interactive, nonlinear stories" - there were some who were already familiar with Twine, but there were also some, like me, who hadn't heard of Twine before taking the module. It was a great tool for creating a game, if you were thinking of making one that focused on plot and narrative. However, I found myself occupied with trying to make my piece look game-like, even though we were being marked on our story-telling. If you prefer the visual aspects of a game, then Twine is not for you, although it does have the option of adding images and sound.

Along with Twine, coding and branching narratives were also introduced. Well, I was already familiar with coding, as well as branching, since I once tried to create an Episode story (if you haven't heard of Episode, search it up! It's great fun and the stories on there are unique. I promise this isn't a sponsorship). Episode contained both of these, but, of course, Twine and Episode would not have the same coding; therefore, I had to research on coding within Twine in order to create a coherent story.

Although it was slightly confusing and stressful, it was still a joy, as I mentioned before. There were other interesting ways of implementing visuals within a story that I've left unexplored, and it was definitely a tool that offered plenty of ways a writer could experiment with storytelling, so I would recommend Twine for those looking for a different process of telling a story.

My least favourite module would probably have to be Place and Space, which was a module that focused on, you guessed it, place and space while accentuating how character, personality and individuality could be influenced by the place of your birth or the place you grew up in. This was my least favourite due to the fact that I only chose this module because I had to - the rest didn't interest me. Therefore, I was less invested, which was portrayed in my work, so I recommend choosing carefully. I'd much rather have chosen a module that I would have enjoyed than sit through lectures that didn't stimulate my brain and left me constantly tired. I do, however, wish that I implemented as much effort as I did with the other modules.

The Highlight of Second Year

So, this year I joined the dance society, which was probably one of the greatest decisions I've made in my life (an exaggeration, but I don't care). One word to describe it would be: exhilarating.

I did not expect that I would be participating in varsity and dance competitions (even though this was a dance society; a stupid moment). Dance competitions! This was like a dream after watching loads of World of Dance videos and Step Up movies. Although waking up that early wasn't in my to-do list (it never will be), the vibe and energy at dance competitions is insane and contagious. I might not have shown it, but I was freaking out every time. Visiting other unis and watching talented dancers dance just left me in awe. There was also something special about being a part of a team passionate about dance.

Most of you probably already know why I joined dance in the first place: to improve my self-esteem and confidence, and I think that goal has been reached. As an extremely shy person growing up, who only dances within the space of their kitchen, this was a massive step to make. I felt even more joy when I received two certificates during the Dance Awards Night.

Most Passionate Dancer for Novice Hip Hop :D

Most Committed Dancer for Commercial Hip Hop :D

I dance in my kitchen for fun, and it's also a stress reliever. To think that people think I'm actually good and deserving of these awards makes me emotional. I'm grateful for the choreographers who awarded me these and for the people who encouraged me to join the dance society this year.

This year has been stressful (when is going to uni never stressful?), but always fulfilling. I've realised that I shouldn't be cooped up in my room frequently... meeting new people is fun too.

(Coming from an introvert, this is a statement).

:)

{#thoughts #university}