What Sophie Said

Storytime today! Because one year ago today was potentially one of the most nerve-wracking days of my life. At the beginning of January, I had started a new job based just south of Manchester. I knew I would be working with both my office and colleagues in the London office, but I don’t think it had quite registered that that would involve trips to London. You see, at that point, the only trains I had managed post-anxiety were 5 minute local-stopping trains. I had never travelled to London alone. I’d only been there a handful of times in my life. I’d never stayed alone in a hotel, apart from trips with family where I was maybe in a room next door to my parents. I was doing pretty well in terms of my anxiety, but those were still big hurdles. Anyway, when it was dropped into conversation that I’d be making my first trip to the London office in a couple of weeks, I replied just as casually that yes, of course that was fine. It would have to be! I knew I would find a ...

Hopefully, if you’re heading back to university this January to begin your second term, you’re excited. However, I know from personal experience that the return after your first Christmas home can be a tricky one. If you’re having any kind of doubts or nerves at all, that’s ok. I’m writing this because that’s what I needed to hear. For some, thoughts of returning to uni are unappealing because of exams, or because Christmas has reminded them how much they love being at home. For some people, that apprehension runs a lot deeper, and it can be something people struggle to talk about. Personally, I think one of the very worst things about university is everyone telling you it will be ‘the best years of your life’. There are many amazing things about the university experience. But that’s all anyone speaks about, so if you don’t feel that way, it can be a confusing time. Why am I the ‘only one’ not loving it? Why am I having these doubts? Why do I not feel l...