Well, the title might seem a bit odd but let me explain -

Today is the first official day of my university's new academic year.  I've been in a 'school' environment for as long as I can remember so even though my calendar tells me the year runs from Jan to Dec, I find it very hard to think like that.  Instead my year runs from Sep/Oct to Aug/Sep.

This week is freshers week and it gives us (as full time students) a chance to meet the new students, catch up with old friends who've been away over the summer doing research and get acquainted with any changes that have taken place in the department during the 'off season'. 

To be honest, I'm not much of a people person.  I was diagnosed with ME when I was 13 and therefore spent my teenage years on my own with only a couple of close friends and family around me to break up the days.  In order to get to and progress through university, I've had to sacrifice a lot of 'social' activities in favour of work as I only have so much of myself I can give at any one time.  However, being at university has brought me in contact with so many wonderful and supportive people and provided me with the 3 of most wonderful friends a girl could wish for. 

Why do I tell you all this you might say?  Well, with minimal qualifications, the university took me in showed faith in my abilities and for that I will be forever grateful. 

In fact, this gratitude is why I find myself volunteering for all sorts of 'jobs' around this time of year to help out.  I was working on the Help Desk this morning for the depatment and I met people from 12 different countries within the first 15mins of being there - and I loved every minute of it.  It's so fantastic to have the oppertunity to find out about such a diverse range of cultures.  Among other things, I also work on potential student visit days throughout the year where I get to meet and talk with sixth formers who are so enthusiastic about going to uni and it's really great to see some of them come back to the dept after their A-Levels

So, there you have it - Jenny, who after so many years of being alone and suffering mild panic attacks whenever she met new people, is a people person after all (she just needs reminding of it every now and again!) 

Happy New Year Everyone

xXx