Another Year, Another Post

It's been a while since I wrote a post, but another year has passed and I feel that some reflection is needed.

I finished my second year of university! Having thought not so long ago that I wasn't even going to bother to come and then getting chronically ill, I am surprised and proud to say I have passed yet another year with a First. It's not been easy - tackling assignments and staff alongside being ill a lot of the time, but I'm proud of myself, the work I've achieved and the wonderful and supportive friends I've made.

The things I've learnt here about writing has just grown over the two years. I can see the refinement that has developed in my work and as a stubborn 19 year old who thought there wasn't that much that I could be taught, I have been proven well and truly wrong. 

This year I've had a lot of ups and downs with my health. Finally being recognised as having an incapaciating illness by student finance and recieving equipment and support has been incredible. To at last have my condition recognised, understood and respected is a massive step away from being told by doctors that I'm overreacting and overexaggerating.
The downside is the effects. I still struggle to go out a lot, to do things with friends, to do things I want to and have the normal life of a 21 year old. EDS III is a full on condition that affects more than just my muscles and joints. Although my illness has lead to me being left out of events, to lots of tears and to reevaluating some parts of my life, I really have learnt who my real family are. My parents, who have been unwavering in their support and understanding alongside my siblings and my incredible boyfriend, and my real friends, who I know will love me no matter what happens. I feel like that's one of the most important things I've learnt this year.

Despite my health one thing I've never done is give up on my passions. This month I finished my latest novel which has now been printed for editing before I send it off to agents to try and get it published. Even though I've been told countless times by my physiotherapist that I shouldn't be sitting at a desk for long periods and that Creative Writing is not exactly a great career path for someone with my condition, I have persevered despite it and I'm proud of myself for that.
I've also embarked on two new jobs; working at the Wimbledon BookFest and at the Standen Literary Agency/Three Hares Publishing. Both of these have been hugely educational, allowing me to witness young writers coming to life - both adults and children alike - and have given me the opportunity to see the other side of the coin, opening up my career prospects greatly.

Year Two has been something to remember - from discussing the horrors of the Fifty Shades writing in my Fiction class to dislocating my rib.

But I know that my Third Year can only bring great and stressful with some amazing people. Bring it on.