Last year I graduated with a Bachelor of Business and I was ready to start my next journey of study. This is very different from what most people usually do when they finish their first degree. Rather than pursuing a higher degree in business, I choose to start something totally different, a Master of Education.
Looking back to 2020, it was definitely a turning point in my life.
At the start of the year, I was helping international student services, volunteering as a peer leader and being a student club assisting organiser. I facilitated several presentations providing information to the new students. I was a bit anxious and stuck during the first two times, but after a while, I found it very enjoyable and amazing to give a public speech. As my presentation experience accumulated, I had more confidence and could more actively participate in facilitating the student club events. Then I found out that my application as an intern to the QUT Foundry was accepted, starting my internship at the beginning of the semester. At that moment, I was 100% sure that this year would be my year of self-development, and I was geared up and eager to face the upcoming challenges and opportunities.
The start of the pandemic
Unfortunately, the pandemic started right at that time. As the situation worsened and had no signs of improvement in the foreseeable future, both the internship and my study plans had dramatically changed overnight. The peer program was temporarily closed, along with the student clubs events and other associated activities. My internship role supervisors were given no time to redesign the whole program.
Like most people, it was a difficult time for me and I suffered from negative thoughts, depression and anxiety which affected my studies. I felt I was stuck in my small living room, losing every opportunity and potential that I would have in the future with being unable to complete my internships and volunteer roles. This situation continued until the end of the semester.
The light at the end of the tunnel
As the winter holiday began finally, things started getting better. Thanks to my beloved family, which kept reaching out to me and the strong support from my roommates and friends, I found my way to break this vicious cycle.
As I was feeling better I did a self-reflection of the first half of 2020. I realised that the cause of my emotions and why I felt so miserable. Many people in society were changing to work and study online due to public health concern, it wasn’t only me it affected. I should be happy about this change as it was less workload for me, and I could focus on my study. The study should always be my first priority as a student, not the internships and other things.
What I’ve learnt
Looking back seven months later I realised the motivation behind my excessive passion for volunteering and undertaking internships was getting to communicate with others. I love talking and interacting with people. I love using English and practising what I have learned, and sharing my thoughts and feelings with others. I love giving a hand to new people and looking for help with adapting to a new lifestyle and a new environment.
At last, I found myself loving language more than craving insights from the business world. This is why I chose education as my new study field and career path.
Though the study of the master degree is relatively intensive compared to the bachelor degree, I’m ready for the upcoming challenge and getting prepare for exploring the beauty of language and culture.
