I got up at 6.30am this morning, not because of my anticipation of snow, but because today I was going to start working in some local school projects I am involved in with the University. At 7am I groggily peered out into the darkness of a winter morning, and continued on autopilot to get myself …read more
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Halfway there!
Amazingly, I’m now officially half-way through my 3 year degree! What a landmark to reach! I must admit that I’m really enjoying the Second Year, though I am feeling the stress, and it now seems a little sad that next year will be my last. However, I have decided to do a PGCE teaching qualification …read more
It’s Christmas!
December again, and who knew it. A Christmas tree has appeared in Park Building, and an even larger one in the Guildhall. I even saw an evening carol service there the other night. It really got me into the festive mood! My weekend was spent pulling boxes of decorations from isolated attic cupboards, and this …read more
Obama and Brazil – Progressing Through the Second Year
I am pleased that Mr Obama was successfully re-elected as the President of the United States of America for a second (and final) term. My prediction was correct, and I look forward to his future policies and actions as the President. For those interested in the Americas more generally, you can catch Michael Palin’s journey …read more
A Topical Subject
What I really like about American Studies is that the subject is always changing, so there is always more to learn. No doubt you, dear reader, will be aware of Hurricane Sandy which has just wrecked its way through the Caribbean and along the eastern seaboard of the United States of America. It’s apparently the …read more
Dark, Cold Nights
By Blake on October 2, 2012 in Clubs and societies, Course, Island Experience, Music, Nightlife, The city
Back in July I reminisced about a rainy afternoon spent down the pub with a friend. I wasn’t expecting that three months later I’d be at my laptop once again writing about the rain… but here we are! Fortunately we had some great weather for Fresher’s Fayre but since then it’s been wet, cold, blowy …read more
And So It Begins Again
By Blake on September 21, 2012 in Clubs and societies, Course, Music, Nightlife, Sport, Study, The city
Wednesday and Thursday this week were the induction days for Year 2 students in the School of Languages and Area Studies. The lecturers did not waste any time in getting to the big topic – dissertations! As it turns out, preparation for our 10,000 word final-year piece starts early, and by the end of this …read more
Rewrite
“I’m not a very good writer, but I’m an excellent rewriter.” James Michener – American Author One of the biggest things I’ve learned from my first year of American Studies is how important it is to give yourself some extra time before an essay deadline. Checking the work over before the hand-in never fails to …read more
Blake’s View: A Rainy Wednesday Afternoon
Last week, as the rain lashed and the wind gusted outside, a dry tavern provided the perfect space as a friend and I pondered a frustrating question: Why had we decided to spend more than three additional years in higher education? Perhaps this is a question you might be asking yourself. Although to some the …read more
Summer Dreaming
Though I can’t say the weather is particularly summery, I have been enjoying a few very quiet days at home, which makes it feel like a summer holiday as far as I’m concerned! I’ve met up with friends, been on a few excursions and taken on extra hours at work, which has made the time …read more
About Blake
Hi, I'm Blake! I'm in my Second Year of American Studies. Read this blog to find out more about me and life as a University student in Portsmouth.
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