Going to University…10 years on

by Stephen Eccles

Back again folks, my last blog was ‘The Life of a Trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist’ and, as it is 10 years ago from when I first started University, I wanted to share some of my reflections. This blog will include my adventures at university, the struggles and where I have ended up. So, without further ado, sit back, get the cup of tea and let us dive in…

Starting at the very beginning of this adventure, I remember the alarm going off at 4am and I was on a train at 5am going to my first university open day back in 2009. It was not pleasant, trust me! But even still, I remember getting to the campus (not NTU – shameful I know!) and knowing that it is where I would be studying. I also remember after getting my grades, I got a call from the accommodation folk where I was told that I had not got any of the choices I’d picked for my accommodation. Let us just say a few colourful words were said that day. But even after all that I remember my first day where I was filled with excitement, worry and had a large shopping trolley filled with all the food I can eat (which my parents thankfully paid for). But all jokes aside, reflecting on my first year has made me realise it was an experience to say the least. To start, when I say I didn’t get university, I really didn’t. I’m honest with my tutees in that my essays and practical reports were shocking. I just didn’t get the importance of referencing (thankfully that penny dropped later). Being the first person going to university out of my family was difficult because I just didn’t know what to expect. But even with all the struggles of transitioning and finding my feet, I passed all my first-year exams.

In second year, I was chosen to be the Course Representative of our year and also was the Academic Secretary of the Psychology Society. I wanted to be the difference to make the most out of university and I really did. I set up the mentor scheme within my department and I also created student led discussion groups that got put onto the university timetable. As a result, I won Course Representative of the year and also won a Teaching Partnership award meaning I went to graduation a year early.

In third year, my library became my home. I was in there most days, either reading or discussing coursework with my peers. But alongside that, I was also elected as the President of the Psychology Society and was also a Student Ambassador. Having put my heart and soul into university, I graduated with a 2:1 and I remember being on the phone to my mum at the time crying when I found out with joy that I did it. It was a remarkable achievement as that year I recall going to the doctors where I found out I suffer with OCD. Looking back, regardless of your background, mental health difficulties, or any other perceived barriers, you can achieve if you make that conscious choice to do so. But the story didn’t end there…

After working in university administration, I went back to university in 2017 to complete a Masters in Sport and Exercise Psychology where I achieved a distinction overall. The opportunities from this led to me working with British Canoeing, GB Women’s Ice Hockey and now I have been at NTU for one year working as a lecturer and completing my PhD alongside it. I absolutely love my job because I want to help students reach their full potential and before you ask, yes I am that mad lecturer that pre-covid used to throw a stress ball of the world into my audience of students, and yes, I played family fortunes at the end of lectures because embracing my inner weirdness, uniqueness, whatever you want to call it, seems to make learning fun.

But overall, words alone can’t express my joy of where I started and where I’ve got to. When I started university, I lacked confidence, it took me a while to get used to writing academically and overall, it was a real struggle. If you’re reading this and any of what I’ve shared resonates with you, I want to tell you, it will be ok. The struggles will pass, you will overcome the challenges and most of all, you can be a success if you believe in yourself.  Let us take a moment to realise that if we were a comic book (been watching Avengers Endgame – highly recommend), we’d be classed as limited edition. If we were a Pokemon (throwback to childhood), we’d be considered rare. We are unique, we are different and most importantly there will only ever be one of us… so wherever you are on your journey, I wish you all the very best and never lose sight of how incredible you are!

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