Love from, Florence Grace

Gap years, gap years, gap years. They can be so problematic, can't they?  When I just started out in secondary school, I thought that gap years were for travelling. You travelled the globe for a year and then came back and resumed life as normal- and yes, some people do do that. But that's not all that you can do! Some things you can do in a gap year include: Continuing to study, for example, studying a short course to prep you for university Working to save money for uni Travelling Volunteering abroad  Interning Completing an apprenticeship Chilling (hey it's not the best option, but if you just want need to take a year out, you do you, boo) Re sit some exams if you're not happy with the results That's already a huge list, and there's probably more I don't know about! You don't have to just stick to one thing either, some people choose to work for six months then travel for six months, something like that. But that's no...

Previously in this series I have spoken about the importance of participating in things such as internships and work experience placements while studying in order to further your career. Today, I'm going to be talking about how to make the most of those placements- everything that you should and shouldn't be doing! Arrive on time Every day, no matter what, be on time. In fact, be early  and have a coffee or tea ready made for the person who has been assigned as your boss for the placement. It will put your boss in a good mood and keep them remembering you- they'll miss the early morning bevvies once you've left your placement and might even ask you back! Be good at making tea/coffee Seriously, you'll be expected to make cups left right and centre for everyone and their neighbour! I really struggled on a work placement when I was asked to make tea and coffees as I had no  idea how to- luckily, I had a girl with me who helped me out! Rise above exp...

Dealing with employment and education is much like dealing with socialising and studying; ultimately it all comes down to finding the right balance. While you might tempted by the need/want for money so you can buy all the things you desire, sometimes you have to realise when studying and school is actually more important. When I was at school, it was recommended that students didn't work more than eight hours a week so as not to affect their studies. This is something I definitely agree with. Eight hours a week could be four hours on a Saturday and four hours on a Sunday or it could be one eight hour shift. I definitely wouldn't try to take on a job that involves you working after school when you *should* be studying and revising etc., but of course that's just my own personal opinion. A Saturday job is pretty ideal for while you're at school, and then you can always see if there's overtime available for you to do during the half terms and holidays- esp...

One thing we have all struggled with (or you may even still struggle with!) is being able to study and do all of your coursework, revision and homework whilst trying to maintain a decent social life.  The first thing to remember is that your studies are number one priority . I hate to say it but they are. If you want to get into a particular uni or college course, if you want to pursue a particular career, your friends won't do it for you, you have to do it yourself by working hard and studying (where appropriate). You might want to go out every single night, you might be suffering from a serious case of FOMO  but when it comes down to it, your studies are going to benefit you in the long term more than that party ever will.  However, with that being said, it's important not to abandon your social life altogether. If you neglect to see your friends every time they ask to see you or go out somewhere with you, they will eventually stop asking you altoge...