It's been a long slog, mainly due to changes in the University, supervisory teams moving on, and having to get used to new supervisors, but I got there.
And so, after a few ups and downs, it's handed in at last.
It's a huge relief to have handed in, and now looking forward to moving on to my PGDE next month.
It's been a really busy few days, have hardly stopped and may at times have been rude to a few people, not got time for time wasters this week, so don't waste my time. If we have an appointment, especially if I am doing you a favour and I have squeezed you in between other appointments and meetings don't then tell me I'll have to wait for you, as you have an appointment you forgot.
So rant over, I'm enjoying the course and the interesting people I met yesterday, all with random fascinating research topics, I can't wait to see them progress over the coming months.
Currently a whirlwind of appointments, meetings and online training sessions, all mixed in with hours on the train. Is commuting a problem, honestly, sometimes it is, and sometimes it's a joy.
I spent a large part of the day planning my first research trip to London. Not sure of the dates yet, but have been building a list of places I need to visit and resources I need to see. What started out as a couple of nights away is now up to five nights.
There are the obvious must-visit places such as National Maritime Museum Greenwich, but then other places such as Cutty Sark and The Tower of London have crept in.
Also after the Westminster Effigies talk, I attended I now need to go and see these, though this is relevant as they have an effigy of Horatio Nelson, complete with a Bicorn (More on him later).
Then comes accommodation and travel, so much to consider.
The reading pile grows on a daily basis, and I think I may have a problem. For every book, I read I find five more that are relevant and a couple more I need in my life generally.
The essential reading pile well a small part of it.
My first day at work with Students, was rather exciting, more on that later.
Dashed through from college to uni for a session on public speaking, sadly other students except one didn't bother, so ended up as a good chat. But did get some useful information and ideas.
Tonight though I finally managed to access the university online learning site, and spent my entire night filling in forms, reading information, registering with websites and much more. Feeling either more prepared or actually more out of my depth.
Also booked my first meeting with my supervisor for the day I actually start, which is great, so I can hit the ground running hopefully.
Been a busy day.
Feeling a little overwhelmed.
The British Empire was large.
Having listed the 57 former British Empire countries, I looked at which still have a Navy.
37 have a navy
6 have no coastline
3 have no military
1 is no longer a country it is now part of Australia
5 I am still trying to find out if they have a military/navy
3 have coastguard, 1 maritime unit, 1 maritime squadron and 1 has an inland navy
My current thoughts are 57 former British Empire countries, 37 with a navy and 6 with other maritime forces, that's 43 to research in a year, I may need to cut back at some point and research a small number of these for the MA.
I have been desperate to start my research journey, but at the same time terrified of diving in. Why?
Well, it was all going well, a busy summer means I have neglected the blog, but busy working while I can.
BA ( Hons) certificate arrived at the beginning of the week along with my transcript which sadly only shows a few of my placements, but I guess there is only room for so many, also doesn't mention my peer mentoring in the peer mentoring section, but not the end of the world.
Student finance approved ( for the wrong course) my course apparently not on the CMS. Cue lots of phone calls and emails to sort it out. Lady at Student Finance gave me a fright when she said the course may not qualify for funding.
I have spent a chunk of the summer doing an ILM Coaching course, which has been really useful and interesting, completed my final assignment for that today.
Now just busy planning the next 13 months, as it's just 1 month till I start officially on my Masters by Research, all a bit scary now.
The long-awaited offer letter finally arrived.
Printed acceptance form and returned straight away.
Now to get this ball rolling properly.
Looking ahead and trying to get a head start.
https://generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk/researchmethods/project-management/time-management/
https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-plan-a-research-project-in-four-clear-steps
That's it just over 2000 words, 10 images and the bibliography.
So now the wait for confirmation begins.
Next step Interview and then Student finance application
