What I've been up to

Since it's been a while since I posted anything, I'll give you an update on what I've been doing the last few months and how I've been feeling.

University begins, once again.

I began the 2nd year of my illustration course in late September and it's been incredibly chaotic since. 

They have made several changes to how our modules (or projects) are run. Before, 2 modules were combined and were spread over a longer period. Now, only one is run but over a shorter span of 5-6 weeks. That may sound like a better deal, but I felt it made them more fast-paced and harder to keep up with. Perhaps that might just be a "me" issue, but many other people in my class have complained.

In general, this year has felt a lot more chaotic. Even though I don't feel as stressed going into class, the workload is much more demanding. I suppose that's expected, we're in the 2nd year and the expectations are higher than before. It'll be even more intense next year, so I just have to deal with it.

I'm paying all this money for 2–3 lessons per week?!

Listen, I understand that university involves a lot of independent work. However, considering that most pay up to £9000 (or $11,000 usd) in tuition fees or whatever, you would like to get the most out of your learning IN CLASS. I don't even live on campus, so I can't begin to imagine how those paying for accomodation must feel!

Getting back up after the world beats me down.

It is also difficult to get work done when you feel like the world is going to crash down on you. 

Occasionally, I will have spells of anxiety surrounding global events and such. Recently, I have been feeling scared about wars and conflicts. I won't go into detail here, as honestly? I don't want to. I did begin to feel better, but spiraled again after a certain orange fellow won an election. I'm sure you know who I'm referring to.

With all these fears, alongside writing a 3,700-word essay, and Christmas, it all became so over-whelming. 

After the new year, things became easier to deal with. I guess the pressures surrounding Christmas were a major factor in my stress levels. As of now, I'm feeling more optimistic, more energetic, and more capable of continuing my daily routines. Of course, I still have fears, but they're not as intense. They're more like little doubts in the back of my head.

Please keep going, as a middle finger to those who want you gone.

Honestly, I don't want to go too in-depth about the state of the world. Loads of people have given their thoughts, and I can't imagine my opinion, as someone not from the US, would be that revolutionary.

I will say this: remember that pain doesn't last forever and that soon all of this will be a distant memory.