Starting the year at a gallop...

The most important tool for anyone who is working part time and studying most of the time - is a diary. A good old fashioned, paper and pen device, operated entirely without electricity and no automatic reminders. Without this aid, my work, study and social life would be in a bit of dissarray. I use software and computer tools for just about everything else. The internet for registering, submitting assignments and even study material, software for writing, recording and analysing things. But for organising tasks and meetings and generally keeping track of things, nothing beats the good old fashioned paper and pen - although the words "pencil in"also have their use.

The structure of my days has changed in that I am not at work everyday which does mean that I have to keep a look out on thos things that are lying ahead. Reports, meetings and events that need planning for and implementation even while I am out the office. Also doing the practical placement (internship) phase of my degree also means that I am doing two jobs at once. The one very practical - keeping a daily programme up and running with funding requirements and the other doing counselling and group work that is transformative at an individual and group level - two very diffrent skills - but called on everyday. The placement will start with a week at the organisation finding my feet and getting to know everybody before actual casework and group work begins.

I am really looking forward to seeing my fellow students again - some of whom I have walked part of the path with and a year of learning and personal growth. This really is the testing time for putting all the theory from the past few years into practice and of course keeping quite extensive records of the journey this year. For now the mind is at ease but soon will be filled with new places and people.

To all students embarking on their placement year - good luck. Or maybe luck is not what is called for but a clear head and clear mind and a willingness to work hard.