The 'Uni' - form

 After a couple weeks of settling, I thought it is now time to write another blog post. Starting a new chapter came around sooner than I thought it would. When the day came of starting, I thought I still had three or four more weeks before Uni started. Oh, boy was I wrong. For the first couple of days, the adrenaline from the anxiety of seeing new people had kept me going; the excitement of starting a higher level of education and meeting those who have similar passions was also a contributing factor.

 However, the Wednesday had brought about a considerable amount of pain and exhaustion. I could barely keep myself standing towards the end of the day. It wasn't a difficult decision to seek the admin team to arrange accessible arrangements for the trip the following day. 

The Thursday was initiated by pain, exhaustion and a considerable amount of anxiety about going on the trip in my wheelchair. Upon arriving at Uni, it was apparent some people only wanted to associate themselves with me because I was in a wheelchair. Some who I had become friends with prior to that morning didn't know how to approach me or talk to me. However, I did meet some good friends, one who loves Minecraft, like I do, and the others are tutors. 

I find those who are older than me easier to talk to as they often don't judge and are kinder and more mature. Though, this can give you a questionable reputation amongst peers; they call you a 'teacher's pet' or a 'suck up'. This isn't the case for me. I don't talk a lot in general but when I do, I prefer it to be with nice people, rather than with those who are not, or those who constantly chase trends. As you can tell, I was VERY popular at school *cough cough*. 

Anyway, it was the first time I had gotten onto a coach in my wheelchair. I had to wheel myself onto a little lift, which brought me onto the coach. I then had to adjust myself, put my breaks on, and wait for the bus driver to secure my chair and attach a seatbelt. It was daunting having everyone's eyes on me, but I am grateful for everyone's patience with me. When we got to the destination, I was pushed most of the way around as I couldn't push myself sometimes. 

Everyone was very accommodating and the tutors took me around the accessible routes and were kind enough to arrange an accessible place for me to have lunch with them, whilst the other students (apart from my new friend, who I will name K for confidentiality reasons) explored the city. K showed me their Minecraft world, which was really cool, and I had an interesting conversation with a tutor of third years, who had been involved in investigative teams, including a team investigating the Hillsborough disaster at the time of the devastating series of events. Afterwards, I had a look around the art gallery, which amazed me. It was the first time I had been into a gallery of that size. It was very impressive. 

The remainder of the lessons were introductory sessions about Uni and the course, as well as an awesome societies fair, where I signed up for many societies, including a neurodivergent society, a Minecraft society, and a dungeons and dragons society. I have never played D&D before, but I am excited to begin. 

After watching the Lord of the Rings series, The Rings of  Power, I had become inspired to take up a new hobby. I put together and painted my first mini figure this week, and order a Lord of the Rings mini figure set. I'm so excited to start building and painting them. How are you all finding the new series? Let me know your thoughts, opinions and theories in the comments. (There may be SPOILERS IN THE COMMENTS so be warned)

My first week at Uni was fun, exciting and nerve-wracking, though I am glad to have begun this new journey. I hope you have all had a fantastic week too.

Stay safe, and stay well. 

Jace