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.
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| My girls x |
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| My bestest chum, Rob x |
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| 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....
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| Presenting live on Erewash Sound. |
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| My first ever live radio interview with Vega Bay. |
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| 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.
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| Thursday team |
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| 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!)
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| 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
