Laura Frances McCann B.A. Hons, Pleased to Meet You

It's official; I am a graduate of Keele University!

I achieved a 2:1 overall, and am particularly proud that my Criminology dissertation was given a mark of 74. Who knew writing about superheros could be looked on so favourably? I think that shows that my choice to do a Criminology based Masters entitled 'Terrorism, Security and Policing' at the University of Leicester next year is good one.

I am not leaving Keele because my three years there have been terrible and I need to get away, quite the opposite in fact. My three years there have been so fantastic that I don't want to tarnish them with a very different fourth that will be far more intense academically, and will see the campus relatively empty of the people I've grown with since 2013. It's also really exciting to me to go off to another place and just see what happens, I mean, why not? I have no physical ties to anywhere so I'm really up for gypsying about for a bit. Also, the course is a dream for me, I can't wait to get that bit more serious and involved with pursuing my wanted career.

Graduation week last week was such a wonderful time with those that I've been close to at Keele. I hope I managed to express to them just how grateful I am for them all, and how proud I am for doing as well as they have done. It's insane how much has happened in these past three years, beyond earning a degree, and that this chapter of my life is now closed. I've moved out of my parents' house; learned to cook (ish...but seriously my Jack Daniels barbecued pork is gooood); established and moved on from relationships; shared a bathroom with 12 others despite having had my own bathroom for 10 years (only child perks); lived in another country for 4 months; become a cheerleader; found my first proper boyfriend and convinced him to stick around; managed to sustain long distance friendships; learned to save money and plan for the future; started this blog; recognised and saught help when dealing with mental illness; matured; calmed down; learned new things about myself; learned how to cope with people very different to me; changed my relationship with food; danced until dawn; created memories I will treasure for as long as possible. That still probably isn't everything. I feel incredibly blessed, and am eternally grateful that all of these things have happened, but it's time to move on. I can't wait for the future, to see who's paths continue to cross with mine, to see everyone achieve and continue to grow into fully fledged adults. It's all so exciting!

Cala D'Or, I Adore

Last weekend, well technically last Thursday to Monday, I went on the long-awaited holiday to Majorca with some great friends from cheer. After all the stress of planning, a wonderfully relaxing time was had!

It was a holiday of firsts and greats. It was the first holiday I've been on where I haven't gone sight-seeing per se. Usually, I'm up and about most days investigating the new place, looking up an historical sight, and checking out a museum or two. This time however, we spent everyday round the pool, or on the beach, and every night wandering the busy centre looking for new restaurants and bars (Buddha bar, and the tiki bars are must visits) - we succeeded! We ate somewhere new every meal, and 95% of it was delicious. At no point was I bored, or irritated by 'merely' staying on the beach, it probably helped that we spent one day on a glass bottomed boat.

That was a really fantastic trip. Our brilliant hotel, Prinsotel Alba, advised that we take this particular trip, and it was completely worth the €25 it cost! We were driven around the Majorca island, stopped off for a 45 minute swim in ocean, and got to pick up some fairly impressive tan lines. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to see any fish through the glass bottom, but I did see some during my swim. Also, the constant sun didn't help my sea sickness, but sitting in the shade, and swimming in the ocean really helped that.

Another first on this holiday, was a very personal one.

This photo became the first full bikini one I have ever taken and posted publicly! It took me a little while to convince myself to do it, but I'm really glad I did, and a bit proud of myself. Yes I tried to breathe my stomach in and what not, but I think it really speaks to the relaxed atmosphere created on this holiday, and the change in my own feelings. I couldn't be more grateful to my friends, both on the holiday with me and back home beforehand, for their part in it all.

I'll be honest, I probably wouldn't go back to Cala D'Or for longer then 4 days, but that certainly doesn't mean I wouldn't go back at all, I most definitely would. My advice for those going, is expect to chill and not be constantly 'busy' so you can embrace it once you there; stay in Prinsotel Alba; go on a glass-bottomed boat; drink in Upstairs bar and dance in Buddha, and eat in Rustic. 

 

VOTE. Please.

VOTE. Please.

If you live in the UK, are a British citizen, are over 18, your country has acknowledged your right to vote and has made you eligible to do so. If you don't vote every single person who has campaigned for the right to vote, died or been abused through that campaigning, has done so in vain.

But! I hear people cry. But, what? I ask. But you don't trust politicians? You don't trust the 'system'? You don't understand what's going on? Guess what the answer to the first two questions is: VOTING. Vote politicians you don't trust out, and ones you trust in, or even run for a position yourself. Vote in  and campaign for referendums that will change the system. The third question also has a fairly simple solution: investigate. Watch/read the news, hold conversations with people that have a better understanding than yourself, read the leaflets that inevitably get shoved through your letter box, and then there's always the internet.

VOTE. Please.

For the sake of interest, I voted in the EU Referendum and I voted remain. Simply, as a Liverpudlian, I have first hand experience of how beneficial European money can be. Also, none of the arguments from the Leave campaign are fully accurate, and certainly do not convince me against Europe, we're no longer the largest empire in the world, we need to understand that and realise we're stronger IN. That's just my opinion, and I showed it through my vote, I encourage everyone who can to do the same, whichever way they feel about the referendum.

VOTE. Please.