2016...What a year!

I know everyone always says it, but I can't believe how quickly this year has gone. I honestly think this year has gone in a flash, probably because I have been SO busy with life, but that's just how I like it!

It has almost become a tradition of mine to write a Facebook post saying how much of a rollercoaster previous years have been and I'm actually glad I used to write them, because it reminded me of all the things I have achieved since last year. That's why I am writing this now; because I want something that I can look back on but with a bit more detail than I would write on Facebook.

2016 was definitely a rollercoaster year, but I think it is only natural for a year to have its ups and downs. I have definitely learnt some VERY valuable life lessons, some of which have been extremely hard to deal with.  I've lost but also gained people in my life, but I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason.

My girls x

My bestest chum, Rob x

Me and Han x

Here we go...

I remember this time last year, my second article had appeared in the Grapevine magazine which is a local community magazine I write for. Now, a year later, I am proud to say I have met EVERY deadline so I have written about a different topic, each month, for a year. I still love writing my articles, thinking of a topic I am passionate about and writing a short piece. Not only that but because it gets posted through doors in my local area, I have neighbours, friends and family all saying how much they enjoy my articles and how it provided discussion points in their households, which makes it even more worthwhile for me. Not only am I  gaining fantastic writing experience but I am also able to engage with people too. One highlight of this year has to be when a complete stranger recognised me whilst I was doing some shopping with a friend in Beeston and she took the time out to come over to me to say how much she enjoyed reading my articles. I honestly couldn't believe it and it was a lovely thing for this lady to take the time out to speak to me, I think I nearly cried!!! Not only was my day made, but my year too!!

In January of this year, I began my radio training course at Erewash Sound. Having never really heard of the station until I started looking for some experience in radio, I managed to discover a little gem. The training I received at Erewash Sound was amazing and has set me up with some of the skills I need to go into professional radio. The best thing about Erewash is that I can do all my learning and ask all the questions I need, because Jeff (the Station Manager) is one of the most supportive and patient people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I ask him endless questions and constantly ask for feedback on how I am doing and he always has the time for not just me, but everyone at the station. He really is amazing. I now have my own weekly Wednesday afternoon show (which I still think is so cool!) and I can now cover the breakfast shows too. I also did my first ever interview with Vega Bay, a local band, the other day! I completed my training in June, but I would have finished it earlier had I not decided to focus on my AS levels. Speaking of AS levels, when I actually received my results, I was both shocked and over the moon because I knew I would be able to apply to any university I wanted to with the grades I achieved, so I now have the tricky decision of which offer I want to accept to study Journalism in September of this year...yes, this year! Scary stuff....

Presenting live on Erewash Sound.

My first ever live radio interview with Vega Bay.

My radio pal, Mark.

One of the biggest and most surprising things that happened in 2016 was my internship at Capital FM East Midlands. With the radio course at Erewash, I had planned that. This internship was not planned. I asked for work experience with Capital as I thought it would be an incredible opportunity, but then I was given the chance to intern on the Breakfast Show with Dino and Pete. Initially, I was so nervous but also extremely excited to start interning once a week (you should have seen me when I received the email, I basically jumped through the kitchen ceiling). Being able to work with the people I used to listen to before school each morning is still very strange but so amazing. I choose to get there at 6am because I want to see every minute of the show, from 6am-10am every Thursday morning. I have learnt so much and everyone has made me feel so welcome already. I could not be more grateful for this fantastic opportunity.

Thursday team

Me, Dino, Pete and Tyles.

All these experiences have meant that I have met some incredible people on the way, some of whom I have become really close friends with. As well as that, my family and friends are always so supportive especially when I have early morning starts- whether it be a radio show or my internship which sometimes means I have to turn down plans with my friends, but I try to make it up to them. My poor Mum and Dad also have to drive me everywhere because I haven't learnt to drive yet, something else I want to do in 2017 (I'm 18 and still haven't driven a real car, only a go-kart!)

My family x

I think one thing I need to do in 2017, is stop stressing and believe in myself a bit more (we all know that won't happen!!) I think the only reason I do get a little bit stressed is because I am a perfectionist and I put everything into anything I do, I've always been a hard worker! But I have shown myself that I can achieve anything with hard work, persistence and passion. I am so blessed for all the lovely people in my life who inspire me every day.

Overall 2016 has taught me a lot and I can't wait to see what 2017 has in store!

So with all that being said, I wish you a very happy New Year and I hope that it is filled with happiness, health, love, kindness and success.

With love always,

Emma ♡ x

An updated Radio journey...

After having only been a Radio Presenter at Erewash Sound since June 2016, everything seems to have moved so quickly. I fell in love with radio and enjoy every minute of broadcasting live on air. I'll admit that I am a perfectionist and I definitely take what I do very seriously.

I can't actually believe that I have done something that I didn't think I would get for a very long time, if at all. Today, I managed to get an Internship at Capital FM. How? I don't really know. Hard work? Probably. But I still can't quite believe it.

If someone had said to me 3 years ago, or even a year ago, that I was going to be where I am now at 18, I would have laughed very hard and told them to stop being so ridiculous. I still have a long way to go but I honestly wouldn't be where I am today without my Mum and Dad's unconditional support, driving me to places at ridiculous times in the morning and basically being my taxi! I wouldn't be able to do what I do without them and of course my not-so-little sister who keeps me completely grounded haha! And of course to my Radio Manager at Erewash Sound but also my friend, Jeff, who answers my endless streams of questions and probably gets fed up with me asking him on how I can improve and what I can do to become a better presenter. I was on the phone to Jeff a few minutes ago, crying my eyes out because I feel so overwhelmed and unbelievably lucky to be doing the things that many people dream of. And all my friends, who put up with me asking them what they think to ideas or telling them to give me feedback on my shows, I love them all very much. I definitely don't take any opportunity for granted.

I will of course, be continuing my presenting at Erewash Sound, every Wednesday afternoon 1-4pm on 96.8FM. My little family at Erewash Sound are the most supportive and lovely bunch of people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I love them all very much.

I hope that I can continue with these exciting opportunities and will be blogging my journey along the way.

Sorry for a very emotional and waffly post!

With love always,

Emma ♡ x

I haven't blogged in a while...

Life got busy!

I realise that the last time I blogged was around September! Those who know me will know that I have been up to my ears in work, my life schedule has become a very full one but I'm not complaining, because I love what I am doing at the moment and where life is taking me.

I think that for now, this blog is going to be more of a update/what I'm getting up to kind of thing with a more 'diary entry' approach. I will still be posting the odd review/advice post, but if you are after an article, check out my pieces every month in The Grapevine Magazine. 

This won't be updated every week, but I definitely will try to write on here more often!

With love always, 

Emma ♡ x

10 things I am thankful for

The other day I was feeling very reflective and realised that there are so many aspects of our lives, that we almost take for granted. So, I thought I would put together a post of 10 things I am thankful for.

1. Family

I also am such a family orientated person. I love my home comforts as much as I enjoy going out! But those that know me well, know that I am constantly busy, probably inadvertently putting pressure on myself through all the activities I insist on doing.  I don't spend as much time with my family as I used  to when I was younger, but this is definitely something I have recognised. I think it is natural to spend less time with your family, as you begin to get older. I am so thankful that I have such a supportive family, I know they will be there for me know matter what and support me through all of my decisions. For this, I am very grateful as I wouldn't have been able to do half the things I have done without their unconditional support and so I love them very, very much.

2. Friends

My friends are incredibly important to me. Growing up, I always had friends but never really settled with one group, my circle of friends constantly changed as I grew. But now, I have such a lovely circle, and if you are reading this, you know who you are! I have stayed within the same group now since I was about 16. Unfortunately, one friend moved away after my final year of secondary school, but I hope to see her very soon if she comes down to Nottingham! But my group also gained another friend, as she came from another school to join our college which was lovely. This year hasn't been easy with various aspects of all of our lives, but I am so thankful for how my friends have always been there for me, no matter what. I feel like this year in particular, other friendships have really flourished too. I have and continue to learn so much from all of my friends, as they all have their own little areas of knowledge and expertise. I'm really sad that some of my friends in the year above are going to be leaving to go to University, but I know we will stay in touch and I am so excited for them as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. But, I have so much love for every single one of my friends and they all mean an awful lot to me! (It's so typical of me to be all soppy, oops!)

3. Healthcare

I think we all often forget how lucky we are to live in the UK, where we have access to free healthcare. I think more often than not, we take for granted that we can make an appointment at a doctor's surgery or in extremely bad cases, we can go to the hospital and be treated by the most amazing doctors and nurses. They work incredibly hard to provide an excellent health service and I am aware that unfortunately, more often than not, the doctors and nurses that work in our surgeries and hospitals do not get enough recognition. Without them going above and beyond and being so incredibly hardworking, we wouldn't have such an excellent and free health care service. I have used the NHS more times than I can remember, as have many of my family and friends. For this, I am extremely grateful.

4. Freedom of speech

I am so thankful that we live in a democracy. I have briefly mentioned this before in one of my articles, but I honestly think that living in a democratic society is such a wonderful thing, that so many people take for granted. We can essentially say what we like, within reason obviously! To be able to vote in referendums, such as the EU referendum, was such an incredible honour for those that can vote. Sadly, I was too young to take part in this referendum. However, recently when I attended an event where MPs debated whether we should vote remain or vote to leave, this really made me realise how incredible it is that we are all entitled to our own opinion which can help grow and hopefully change society for the better.

5. Education

I have undoubtedly hated some days of my education, but I think we all have those days, for various reasons! Having said that, I did enjoy my school years immensely. All in all, we are all entitled to have an education. I think this again, is something a lot of us take for granted. In countries within Africa, some children would do anything for an education, and we are almost handed it to us on a plate. I have tried to make the most of my school and college life, as have many other people I know. It is so important, as I know for a fact that I have learnt so many skills, particularly this year during my first year of college. My writing has developed considerably which is just one of the many valuable skills I have learnt, and my education also presented me with some amazing opportunities, which brings me on to my next point...

6. Opportunities

I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have been presented with throughout my life. I try to make the most of every opportunity thrown my way, as I know that everything we take part in will impact on our lives in one way or another, whether this is a learning curve or just something incredible we can experience. The first opportunity I am thankful for was to be Head Girl in my final year of school. Not only did I learn some amazing transferable skills, but my organisation and presenting skills flourished. This opportunity not only resulted in the career pathway I would like to go down emerging, but I also gained a friend who I really believe will be a friend for life, as we worked so closely together and have remained the best of friends ever since. I am also incredibly grateful for being given opportunities to write in a local magazine, as well as being a presenter on a local radio station. One thing leads to another, and I am a strong believer of grabbing every opportunity and making the most out of every situation.

7. Music

A little bit of a strange one, but music is such a huge part of my life! I literally listen to music every day. I think a lot of people take for granted the power of it. We have access to such a wide variety of music and there is always a track to suit every mood! It may sound odd, but music whether this be listening to it or even writing music has saved so many people, all over the world. Music unites people, as many people meet through music due to sharing similar tastes. My love for music has definitely come from my Dad and I am particularly grateful to him for introducing me to such a variety and teaching me to appreciate both old and new music.

8. Kindness

Again, it may be a strange one. I'll keep this one as brief as I can as this post is getting rather long. It's a shame that on the news we are unfortunately seeing more and more terrible stories of awful terrorist attacks. I think it is uplifting when people carry out random acts of kindness, or support each other in achievements when there is unfortunately so much negativity in the world at the moment.

9.  Food

When I was thinking of different things I am thankful for, I realised that in this day and age, we have more choice of food than ever, thanks to globalisation. We can choose to be vegetarians if we don't agree with eating meat, or become a vegan due to the fantastic range of food available to us. I think this is incredible.

10. Social Media 

I know I have portrayed social media in a little bit of a negative light but there are huge benefits that come with the usage of social media. Being a writer, I can reach such a wide audience through promoting my work through the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. When I upload a blog post, I can share it on all social media platforms meaning that I can reach hundreds of people. Social media is great to let people have an insight into what you are getting up to. If used correctly, social media is excellent.

Thank you for reading this post, I didn't expect it to be this long, so thank you if you stuck it out until the end! Hopefully this post will have made you realise all the things we often take for granted.

With love always,

Emma ♡ x

A well needed break.

After what was possibly one of the most challenging academic years of my entire life, I have really been looking forward to the summer holidays; to spend time with my friends and family. My blog kind of became a little neglected, because quite frankly, I had various deadlines to meet and my radio shows to organise, all while maintaining a social life and going away with my family. I feel like finally, I have managed to be on top of everything! So now, I can do things I have been wanting to do for a while, but just not had enough time for.

 

Sometimes, you just need a break. After going away for a week with my family in July and then again in August, I felt refreshed and energised, ready to tackle things I had been putting off for a while and it gave me that little bit of motivation I needed. To be able to not have to do any writing, or plan for a radio show, was actually really nice (as much as I love it!!!). But now I am back to reality; writing, planning radio shows (my next one is this coming Wednesday, 24th August 2016, 1-4pm on Erewash Sound 96.8FM). I absolutely love being on the radio and I am always very grateful for anyone who listens in to my shows, it really means a lot so thank you if you do! Also, feel free to get in contact when I am on air, as it makes my shows more exciting and filling when people do.

 

It's also been really lovely to catch up with my friends as well, especially those who are off to University in September, or those I don't see very often, as well as my friends who I usually spend every day with at college. I'm looking forward to seeing more of my friends this summer too, before our lives get waaaay too busy again. I'm definitely trying to make the most of the rest of the summer!

 

So there's a little update on what I have been getting up to recently. I do plan to blog weekly if I can, but I don't want to put too much pressure on myself, when this is an important time to recharge my batteries before I return to college in September.

 

Thank you for reading this very random post, there should be another one shortly.

 

With love always

 

 Emma ♡ x