By Aneela Aziz

My three day summer school at Staffordshire University

We always have assemblies at school for the sixth form students. One of our assemblies was about a specific summer school, called ‘Unifest’, made for students whose parents did not attend universities. There are also summer school organisations for students who gained 5 GCSE’s, as summer schools give students the opportunity to get a sense of what a university will be like. When I heard about this from my teachers during the assembly, I applied for this as I really wanted to give myself an insight on university life, and also on the career path I want to follow, which is becoming a journalist. I applied to do the course at Staffordshire University. A couple weeks after the application, I was invited and was picked to have the opportunity to go to the summer school which I was grateful for.

Whilst on my stay at the university, on the first day, other students from other colleges and sixth forms were put into groups that were all going to be doing the same course. We got to know each other by taking part in activities, including making the tallest tower that a cup of water can stand on and the team that won got a prize. This was really good to welcome the group and created a better chance for us to get to know each other.

For the rest of the two days we were in lessons, catered to the course we picked; mine was journalism. The lady, who was teaching us for the two days, had worked for the BBC. During the two days, we had to write about a current issue, and I chose to write about the London Fashion Show banning size zero models and using larger women. I was able to broadcast this though various media, such as, the radio and television and using my own initiative as well as working in a team. I was nervous in presenting my work on the television, as I have never done this before, however, during this experience I was able overcome as a fear of mine.

Having the opportunity to participate in a three day summer school has really fuelled my interest in journalism as it has give me an insight into what I need to do to achieve this career. It gave me a sense of direction, and also what is expected from a student for this course. By attending the summer school I gained a valuable insight on a media related course with the opportunity to speak to a journalist regarding a media career, but I also gained information on the demands of university itself. I also made new friends which university is about, being sociable, and also having an academic life too.

To all the young people who want to go to university, or are unsure about going to university, I think summer schools are a great opportunity to get involved and experience student life and you will also gain new skills. Every opportunity you have, especially the academically related ones, make sure you go for it as it will give you a insight in what direction you want to take. It also makes things clearer for you, in deciding on the career path you want to follow. If you want to go university and apply to go to university you could, like myself, attend and talk about summer school in your personal statement. Make sure you sell yourself for the courses you apply to.  The moral is every opportunity you have you should go for it!