Annnnnd that's a wrap: I graduated!

Four years ago I clutched my Leaving Certificate results in my hand, hoping and praying all my hard work had paid off.

I desperately wanted to study Journalism and New Media in Limerick but, with the points set to increase, I had an agonising wait to see if I had got it or not. A few days later I happily clicked ‘accept’ on my CAO form. I was officially Limerick bound!

Officially a qualified journalist.

Four years later and it’s hard to believe my college experience is over. As cliché and all as it sounds, time really does fly and last week I graduated!

I spent a lot of time in fourth year wishing the year would hurry up and end. I couldn’t wait to be finished my final year project, assignments, exams and all the stress that goes hand in hand with it. I was more than ready for the stress of college life to be over. I was ready to go out into the real world and be an adult.

But the night before my graduation, with the big day literally only a few hours away, I had a scary thought. I suddenly realised there was just one small problem with my single-mindedness. Once I donned my cap and gown that was it; the safety net of education, which I have known for the last 18 years, would suddenly be gone.

And with the economy still looking more like a rollercoaster and less like smooth sailing it’s no wonder I’m slightly anxious. I have nothing concrete lined up. I’m all dressed up with no place to go. No place to interview.

Every so often I find myself thinking these negative thoughts, which are made all the worse by people constantly asking me what exactly I’m doing with my life and when am I going to get a real job and stop working part-time pulling 99’s. The truth is I don’t know. I’m really not sure. I’m still figuring this whole life thing out.

When the not-so-positive thoughts don’t creep in I’m confident. Confident I’ll get a job in my chosen field and confident that things will work themselves out. I’m pretty sure something will come up. In some shape or form. I’m just not sure how long it will take…

Waving goodbye after four great years.

The President of UL, Professor Don Barry, reminded me of all this during his speech at the graduation. He reminded us how proud we should be for getting this far and achieving a third level qualification and, more importantly perhaps for those of us with nothing solid lined up, reminded us that things always have a way of working themselves out. He said we must “never, ever let anyone tarnish our spark”. Wise words from a wise man.

So, with that in mind, I’m not so much nervous about the future as I am curious.

College life was (so far!) the best four years of my life, but I’m ready for the next chapter now.

All I can say is bring it on!

Interrailing Do's and Dont's

The Interrail Experience...                                                                                        

After spending what can only be described as the best four weeks of my entire life travelling around Europe I am finally, and somewhat reluctantly, back on Irish soil. Leaving sandy beaches and scorching sun to return to a very dull and dismal Dublin airport last Sunday night was a firm reminder that the dream was well and truly over. Returning to work today after almost four and a half weeks away was a further realisation that I was back to reality with a bang.

So what better way to lighten my mood and my post-holiday blues than to reminisce about my Interrail experience. Like the J1, interrailing is quickly becoming an almost mandatory rite of passage for young Irish students. But before you set out on your trip of a lifetime, here are some do’s and dont's to consider…

Travel Buddies

DO: Travel with someone you know inside out and upside down. Someone you know has the same interests as you and someone you know will want to do and see all the same things as you. You are going to be spending 24/7 in each others company so choose wisely. I travelled in a group of four (my boyfriend and I and one of my best friends and her boyfriend) and it was the perfect combination. We were all interested in doing and seeing similar things and it made our trip a whole lot easier. 

DON’T: Go with people you may end up falling out with over a missed train, a bad hostel or deciding what to do. Interrailing is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do and see things you might never get a chance to do again. Make sure you’re doing them with the right person. Don’t waste your time away with someone who can’t be bothered to get up early or stay up late and has no interest in doing the same things as you.

Pack smart

DO: Travel lightly. Trust me, you really won’t wear half the things you think you will. It’s useful to pick out outfits before you leave; it’s more efficient and will hopefully prevent you from over-packing.

DON’T: Bring anything unnecessary. I’m talking hairdryers, straighteners etc. If the weather is good your hair will dry naturally or, if you're lucky, they might have one in the place you're staying.

Booking accommodation

DO: Book in advance. Not everyone is a fan of booking accommodation in advance but, personally, I would recommend it. After a long day/night travelling you really won’t want the extra hassle of having to try and find a suitable hostel in a new city. We booked all of our accommodation in advance (some weeks in advance, others just a few days) and found it really handy. Plus, booking in advance gives you the added bonus of picking and choosing the best value for money hostels in the exact locations you want.

DON’T: Leave it ‘til the last minute. During our trip we spent three nights in each place which really isn’t a huge amount of time. We wanted to make the most of each new place we visited by doing and seeing all we could. Wandering the streets looking for a place to stay wasn’t one of them.

Have an idea what you want to do

DO: Make a vague plan of what you want to see and do in each place before you get there. It’s important to have a rough idea of the attractions in any of the places you’re going as it will save you time and ensure you make the most out of each destination.

DON’T: Be lazy and waste your days. Interrailing really is the holiday of a lifetime so be proactive and make the most out of every day. You’ll only end up regretting it if you don’t.

Count your dolla bills

DO: Keep an eye on your bank account. You’re there to spend your money doing and seeing lots, but it’s important to remember you’re probably on a budget. Try not to blow your money in the first week as you get to grips with what you can spend daily. If you are on a strict budget cheaper countries like Slovenia will suit you better. Personally I found bigger cities like Vienna and Munich to be very expensive (but still worth it!).

DON’T: Think that money grows on trees. It doesn’t, unfortunately, and it will run out. Make a plan of what you can spend daily and stick to it. That’s the best advice I can give.

Picture c/o: Imgur