I have really enjoyed my first week as a UWS BA1 Education student.

I was quite anxious and worried about starting university as a mature student because I expected to be, very much, older than my cohort. I was pleasantly surprised to find others of a similar age to myself and, also, that the younger students are very friendly and I have things in common with them.

Much of my first week has been focused on communication and I have really enjoyed it. The communication lectures and workshops have been eye opening for me and have made me think, more than I ever have, about how I communicate and how I can build on my communication skills.

I am very aware that I become very nervous when speaking out in group settings, however, I have set myself a challenge to help to overcome this. I will speak out, if I have something to say, when in group settings. I hope that this will help to build my confidence and will put me more at ease when faced with these challenges.