The journey has concluded. It was only in 2022 when I was deciding on my next steps. Growing up, I wasn’t a big fan of education; I went to school looking forward to being around friends instead of going to class, but there was a part of me that knew I had to follow the family trend and become a university graduate.

The subjects I enjoyed the most were, of course, PE, English and IT. Funnily enough, I’ve found myself in a space where I’m using these specific subjects to go to the working world post-graduation. Over the course of the four years of studying sports journalism, I’ve managed to pick up skills that have allowed me to now have a clear picture of what I should pursue moving forward. Over the past year, I’ve debated with myself about whether I should really become a journalist or just harness the key skills to go into something I will have a true passion for.

The job market is the worst it’s been, and people wonder why there is so much propaganda against choosing to go to university, I feel like I can speak for everyone that is a university student or just anyone, spending thousands of pounds during university should guarantee you employment, maybe not a guarantee in the sector you were studying for, seeing as not everyone may be destined to work in the field they studied in during university but at least a job that will help get the best out of your skillset, after all university is more than just studying, it’s finding your genuine interest, self development, and a time for you to stand out amongst your peers.

 Last year was a year when I realised I had to do more. If I really want to have a chance post-graduation to build a career for myself, I must start now. Sitting here now towards the end of April, I feel like I’ve achieved that; there are many people I’ve met that I’ve learned from and have actively taken those thoughts and experiences as a way of building my confidence to develop my own platform.

Submitting that final assignment felt surreal, knowing that the four-year journey I had embarked on had now come to an end. I sat there in silence and asked myself, “What’s next?” for a good 30 minutes, and let my thoughts take over. Knowing now that the education system is no longer part of my routine, it’s now dawning on me how quickly life will just come at you.

Thankfully, I have the most amazing support system to turn to, and just knowing that God willing, my hard work, combined with my passion, will land me a role in which I will thrive. I’ve always told myself that once graduating from university, I must not stagnate, I must carry on, push myself and build a life that I can be proud of.

Before starting at UEL, I was sceptical. I was wondering if I’ve made the right decision coming back to London.

I can confidently say that I definitely have.

Coming back to my home city alone has come with different challenges that have made me into the person I am now. I can only be grateful. I intend to carry on this journey in my home city and make a name for myself. Make a change. And carry on building my platform.

The journey has not ended. It’s a closing of a chapter with plenty of story left to tell.