Sad times are ahead if teenagers need money as an incentive to get “good”¹ grades .

1. Good actually meaning average in this sense. [↩]

It’s been almost 5 years but I’m glad to say that I have a degree under my belt.

It’s strange how opinions can change almost at a click of the finger.  After college I was adamant that further education was not  the path for me but thanks to my cousin and then-colleagues who persuaded me to take on the challenge of university.  Were it not for them I probably would either be still inspecting cameras or feverishly coding and designing websites¹.

*Memory lane*

Whilst on MSN Messenger² to my cousin she mentioned a jewellery course she was considering, which was jewellery making-related.  It was something we could do together.  The course sounded great fun but I still wasn’t sure but thought I might as well since I needed to make something of my life.  However, I knew persuading my parents was going to be a job and a half – and I was right.  They weren’t particularly keen on the idea, being the kind of Asian parents where if an immediate career wasn’t a dead cert. then maybe the course wasn’t the right one.  Eventually with some wise words and words of encouragement I made sure I pushed forward my choice – I wouldn’t say my mum was in agreement more so than annoyed with my constant pestering.  It resulted in an “ask your father” response.  Needless to say he didn’t disagree.

That was when I felt I needed to prove, not only my parents but also myself, that I am good at something.  Particularly since school and college results left a lot to be desired.  I needed something to be pleased about and to rectify what I didn’t do before.  Going to university was an opportunity to give my confidence a boost.

After sending my application I managed to get an interview for a gemology course, which I had to decline because I didn’t apply for that course.  I called to rectify and was told to come in and see the interviewer.  Since I had left the application late I thought there wasn’t going to be a fudge of a chance that I’d get onto the course but I guess we got a lucky break; my cousin and I secured a place on the course.  We both came out of the interview very happy and were about to enrol on ND Design Crafts.  Having earlier been shown around the exhibition by the interviewer we looked in amazement at the spectacular jewellery pieces.  Was I really going to be able to create jewellery like those?  I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped when I saw an 18ct gold brooch, which was made by a former ND student.

*End of memory lane*

Never mind prematurely thinking university was not an option I stuck with it for a further 3 years – completing the Higher National Diploma and BA(Hons).  It’s a chapter in my life I’m extremely proud of because I achieved a lot better than what I thought I would have and have been wanting a career in jewellery since I made my first gold brooch.  I can finally say that I have found my future, which wasn’t the case after college.

All in all I”m excited to see what I can bring to the future so remember my name because in the future my name may be plastered on shops. :P I know I’ve made it when I can price my jewellery more towards the higher market, or as some may say ridiculous prices.   I’m thinking big as in Thomas Sabo big!

1. Not that there’s anything wrong with the latter occupation but it’s just not healthy losing slept trying to fathom why something you’ve coded isn’t translating correctly.  Heh. [↩]
2. The thing back then. [↩]

It’s only a matter of weeks – several days – before I’m done with uni.  Honestly, I’m disappointed with how the last project ran.  I should have taken more control over the timing of my work and was willing to do whatever it took to get my collection finished before assessment.  Ultimately I failed to do so and leave myself in a situation where my final result could leave me disheartened.  I know results aren’t the end all, be all but I feel as if I owe it to myself – I feel as though I have something to prove to myself.

With that said, it’s onwards and upwards.  I’m going to get a couple of the rings’ components redone¹ and laser weld the parts together before the starts of the Graduates’ Exhibition.

It will be that mark of something though.  University has been an experience, well, you would think I experienced at least one thing having spent 5 years there.   I probably would be in the situation (with a degree) if it weren’t for my cousin or work colleagues so I’m glad they gave me that little push I needed.  I never thought I’d find “it”; the job that would lead to a career I now desire but it’s happened.

I won’t get to graduate until next year in February but I very much look forward to what the future has in stall for me.

Congratulations to those who have made  it to the end of university and all the best in the future.  I will certainly let you know how mine goes.  I’ll either bore you with it here or on my more professional jeweller’s blog.

1. The sublimation and laser cutting. [↩]

1. When you’re watching TV and the people insist on asking questions about that episode when it’s a new one.  I’ve not been given a spoiler by the script writer so I really wouldn’t know.  Just watch.  Please.
2. Twitter, well…not Twitter itself but more so the users.  I find it strange when people follow me, then “unfollow” a couple of days after.  It would probably just save the hassle to just skim through my tweets to make an informed decision of whether I’m worth following – probably not in a lot of cases as I mainly tweet about uni, jewellery, projects and football (here and there).  I won’t get offended, I’m even surprised I’ve got the amount of follows I currently have.
3. Of all the colouring pencils I have there is not a single grey.  Grey is what I need to render drawings to evoke silver. -_-
4. At the crucial times (e.g presentations, group talks…etc) I’m unable to articulate myself in an eloquent manner but when I’m with the family the words just flow like poetry.  Okay, maybe not poetry as that would be over-talking myself. >0<
5. Relating point 4, my hands have started shaking uncontrollably when I talk in a group.  It never used to happen but has started this year.  Can anyone explain this?  I even fumble when turning pages, very embarrassing. XD

…escape.

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