Jade Brown started her degree in the midst of a global pandemic. Here she shares her Kent journey from A level results day to finally getting onto campus.
‘We were left barely paddling above the water, when Boris announced our A-levels were cancelled, followed by a national lockdown. 2 years of pure grit and determination were abandoned. We were left devastated with all celebrations and farewells out of sight. The upheaval with our A-level results left us waiting, apprehensive of whether we will secure a spot at university. Fortunately, my results day was a sigh of relief, but the uncertainty still loomed on how my first year at University would play out. Will we be allowed on campus? Will we have in-person lectures? Endless unanswered questions. 6 months had passed since the announcement. 6 long months before I set foot on campus.’
The upheaval with our A-level results left us waiting, apprehensive of whether we will secure a spot at university. Fortunately, my results day was a sigh of relief, but the uncertainty still loomed on how my first year at University would play out.
‘I never thought this day would arrive, but boy was I looking forward to what the next 4 years had to offer me. Leaving home and stepping into adulthood is daunting. New home, no freshers, no friends. I was starting from scratch, fending for myself. Freedom and independence at last, I thought!’
‘However, its wasn’t quite as smooth sailing as that. Typically, the start of university is a time for easing yourself into your course, making new friends, and becoming acquainted with the campus and town. Instead, we were having to navigate the world of online learning, making friends virtually and the idyllic experience we thought we would have ceased to exist. Looking back now, it amazes me how far we have all come, the hurdles we have had to jump, the blood, sweat and tears as we battled through our first year of University.’
‘Holding that lanyard, felt so good. An overwhelming sense of pride as I stood in the middle of campus. I had made it!’
To be continued….