News

Monday

It is the last week of my placement, all my work is completed and I have confirmation that my final dissertation has passed. The marker states: "This is the most unusual piece of writing I have ever read in my whole 15 years of teaching." I'm not quite sure how to take this and start probing him why. He says it is very post-modern and post-structuralist, and I'm glad, because I specifically chose this paradigm. It was a practice study highly influenced by Michael White and narrative therapy, perhaps because my growing passion for this approach as an area I would like to specialise in.

Tuesday

I arrive home, and I feel lost. I have no written work to do and I wonder what on earth to do with my time. I begin to cry, and it just won't stop. I wonder whether this is relief, and I feel confused that I cannot acknowledge my achievements. I decide to reach out for some dialogue and work through these feelings. I ring a dear friend, someone I met who shares the same passion for narrative therapy. By the end of the conversation, after two hours of the most powerful emotions I have ever felt, the retelling of my story as a student had been done. My language changes and I feel much better, for today anyway.

Wednesday

I keep feeling some twinges of tears, and just observe these emotions of relief, change and sheer exhaustion. Today it has been confirmed by both the college and practice teacher that I have passed the diploma. I hold back the tears. What a struggle this has been, in terms of my own raising of consciousness, the financial struggle and my overwhelming academic achievements. If anyone would have said to me two years ago how well I was going to do, then I clearly would not have believed them. I e-mail my personal tutor to thank him for his support, the backbone of my achievements. He replies: "Remember, in a couple of years time, you'll be doing what I do now, keep notes of your experiences as a student!" My dreams are becoming a reality.

Thursday

Just received a letter for an interview. Not sure whether I want to work just yet, but my financial circumstances are leaving me little choice in re-energising myself after such a journey. However, I decide that the interview experience will be good and begin some practising, in private of course!

Friday

Today I reflect on my most fascinating journey through social work education. I remember at the beginning of the course, all of those doubts, mainly about my ability to write assignments. By the second year my marks were consistent and I came to the opinion that I could carry on to do a BA in social work. Me, a BA, it is unreal to think that I am at this standard now and where I was at the beginning of the course. My language has changed so much, and many other people have pointed out how differently I say the word "Education", the root of all empowerment. A couple of years practising and I'm right back in there, teaching hopefully. And a freelance narrative therapist of course.