The finish line at last

So I finally get to the finish line and boy does it feel good there. It makes me think, “So after all is said and done now what?” I’m ecstatic school is finally over. Funny, I’m as excited as I was when I got my admission if not more excited. I will admit it has been a hectic academic year but also good training so I’ll just count my blessings but it sure does feel good to have completed one part of my dream. Now the world awaits. So I’m thinking “hmmmmmmm, what should I do next?” I know for certain I can’t wait to get back home and put to practice what I have learnt. It’s a whole new world out there now full of opportunities to make the most of.

Like is said, “After the darkest hour comes dawn” so it’s now time to enjoy the light because the long hours of study is finally going to pay off. I just can’t help but smile J. So don’t give up on your dream because it’s only a stone throw away, go and get it like I did mine.

The Final Lap

We usually start a race with so much energy and enthusiasm but more often than not these do not last throughout the race. The point I’m trying to make is, starting my course at Aston, I was full of such energy, enthusiasm and bounce that nothing could stop me or get in my way. Having completed the taught part of the programme the final lap is proving to be very exhausting. I am not one to quit for if I do I will never win. Thus although I may be tired and worn I will surge forward with high hopes of getting to the finish line.

The final semester of my course is dissertation writing, which I have come to realize is my least favourite of all the coursework required for the programme. If I had the option of choosing between that and writing exams (even if for ten modules) I’d pick exams without batting an eye or skipping a heartbeat.

Anyway, so like I said earlier, I am not a quitter so on and on I go with the project work because I don’t have a choice and I am doing it to the best of my abilities. Like they say “If you can’t beat them, you join them”. So here I go finishing real hard and hoping to see the sun at the end of the tunnel real soon.

DAY OUT IN LONDON

So it hasn’t been all about studies and classroom work. I just had to cease the opportunity to see the famous London sites. My tour started at the Madam Toussaud, where life size waxed images of celebrities are on display. I was just too amazed at how real they look that I had to pinch J-Lo’s noseto be sure it wasn’t her, lol. From there I moved to the London eye to get a bird’s eye view of London. Before reaching though I saw the famous Big Ben. I then took the tube to go to the Buckingham palace, stopped at Trafalgar square and walked along the Oxford Street. All these sites I’d heard so much about and just had to see them. I just couldn’t tire from all the walking because my excitement seemed to fuel me and push me forward. It was a very exciting and eventful day and I can’t wait to take my next tour, wherever that will be, hopefully to see the Eiffel tower ;)

Finally in the UK

In England at last! I heaved a heavy sigh of relief when l got to Heathrow airport. I am a step closer to achieving my dream now, l thought to myself. Don’t forget to synchronize your watch. I nearly missed the coach because of that and l would have had to wait another hour sitting at the airport just watching people come and go just because my watch still gave me the time in Ghana which is an hour late!

As though almost missing the coach was not enough. When l got to the coach station  to my horror there were no payphones to call a cab. Obviously my cell phone didn’t have a UK network provider. Here l was struggling with my luggage up and down the path in a futile effort to find a payphone. With none in sight l had to come up with a plan B. So finally l asked one of the waiting passengers to use his cell to call the cab.

Visas

With one hurdle crossed, having gained my admission to Aston, l  couldn’t heave a sigh of relief just yet as an even bigger hurdle awaited me. This time acquiring a student’s visa to enable me travel to the UK to actually study. That proved to be tougher than what l thought it would be.  

I didn’t know the requirements for a student’s visa were significantly different from a regular visitor’s visa. That was one very stressful wait for me. Anyway, finally l got the visa and had to rush right over to the UK because l had already missed the Welcome week. Take my word and read the guide for a student’s visa well in advance so you don’t face any drawbacks.

About the blog

Hi, my name is Claudia and l'm studying an MSc in Finance and Investments at Aston University. I was awarded the International Office Scholarship for Ghana 2010/2011.
The last few months have been really exciting but l've also had a lot to get organised. This is my online diary containing my experiences and thoughts so  people who are thinking about coming to the UK and Aston can learn more about the journey...