Thoughts of a foundation student

I officially enrolled on my unit of study this week so I began my first activity a few days ago. I was asked to look at a photograph of Cueva de las Manos and write what came to mind. I actually had an idea as soon as I saw the image; I thought about a song I used to love called Foam Hands that alludes to Las Caras de Bélmez. I wrote about the memories I associate with the time Foam Hands was released; my first mp3 player, the deterioration of my previous relationship, and the impact scrupulosity was having on my life.

As I read my prose I realised that I hated it! Maybe it was the subject matter or maybe it was my technique. I began stressing over my words. But I reminded myself that I completed the activity, so I had taken the first step. Now it was time to reflect on the activity. 

Luckily I could draw on my experience studying Creative Education. Particularly Graham Gibbs’ cycle of experiential learning. I noted my feelings of disappointment that my writing was not good the first time around, which then led me to question what drives me to expect so much of myself. I had been so focussed on what I wished I had done better that I neglected to congratulate myself on completing an activity and writing something that genuinely interested me. I now have a piece of work that I can use in the future. And I have identified three clear actions that will help me going forward:

• Morning Pages - this is an exercise other people in the creative writing department regularly do. And it has helped me make peace with mediocre writing. I write just to write. It is fun.

• Community - I started a club for foundation students and I am facilitating an event in the Student Voice Festival. I value others’ input, so I aim to create more opportunities for collaborative work. Peer interaction is good for my mental health as well as my learning.

• Personal Development - I am attending more study skills webinars. I already feel confident with my skillset but I acknowledge that skills need to be regularly worked on if I seek to improve them. I am also aware that belittling myself is something I frequently do, which prevents me from getting involved with projects that excite me.

  
  

Tomorrow I plan to share my work with my tutor for feedback. Oh, and not be so hard on myself. It feels like a successful week.