Tuesday 26 June 2012

What do I know!

With the young man just a year away from starting university, we are undertaking the task of visiting some of his choices.  I had forgotten just what an exhausting and expensive task this is.  
I have been amazed at how I have pre conceived ideas about places and pleasantly surprised when I am generally proven wrong! 

 University buildings are some of the most fabulous buildings in our country.
 With some brilliant hidden gems - this one at Birmingham housed a stunning geology museum which thrilled the young man.
 I was worried that his chosen subject (Geology) would be limiting in the jobs market, but was thrilled to find that the reverse was actually true with employers visiting University's to head hunt.
Final three pictures are of Leeds University.

 We really enjoyed the sample lecture on Volcanoes given by the Professor who lectured in the subject, but was also on the committee for the Montserrat Volcano Organisation.  He is regularly flown out by the British Government to work on the project.  When I had a careers talk at  my school back in 1976, jobs on offer to us were:
Boys - Coal Miner, Steelworker, Building Trade
Girls - Office, Shop Work, Nurse
My how things have changed.  I think if I had told Mrs Benson that I wanted to be a Volcanologist, she would have given me her standard reply - "I don't have any forms for that I'm afraid"!!!

 I know that we were supposed to be looking around for the young man, but I saw so many courses that I would have loved to do now - finally aged 52 I have an inkling of what I want to be when I grow up!
Meanwhile, we have a few more trips and big decisions to make, and the young man needs to continue the good work so that he achieves the desired grades.
My babies are both growing up!

16 comments:

Louise said...

exciting times! I visited the Lapworth museum last year and loved it!

Rosie said...

We tried to visit the Lapworth Museum a few years ago on Paul's birthday and guess what it was open days for prospective students and we couldn't park anywhere so ended up at the Botanical Gardens. We are off to Birmingham on Thursday but to the city centre this time. Hope you enjoy visiting all the other universities and that the young man gets to go to the university of his choice:)

DeniseinVA said...

Exciting times ahead for the young man and I wish him every success in life. Photos are lovely.

HippieGirl said...

Wow, universities over there in England are much more structurally interesting than over here in the states. The buildings there are so old looking, yet charming. They have that old world charm I really like. None of that over here, you can rest assured!

HippieGirl said...

Wow, universities over there in England are much more structurally interesting than over here in the states. The buildings there are so old looking, yet charming. They have that old world charm I really like. None of that over here, you can rest assured!

Sue Hayton said...

Fab buildings and good subject choice!!

My younger daughter studied geology and has been in work ever since - for one thing! For another she has travelled quite extensively including Chile. As she would say 'Geology rocks!'

Kathy said...

We did all that a couple of years ago .... I got to visit Glasgow and Belfast. I really fancied my son's Literature course ... i would love to sit in on the lectures and read the texts. But I would never want to do another exam. I've had enough of them in my lifetime!
Fingers crossed for the grades!
xxx

Lisa said...

It's a good way to see other parts of the country I suppose. Hope the young man finds one he's happy with and that the good work pays off.
Lisa x

Lx @ Twelve said...

Please dont grow up, you are quite lovely as you are!
All the best for your boy, you must be so proud!

Lx

Jo said...

I know exactly what you mean, Diane. We visited Leeds Uni on Saturday (and Sunday actually, see my blog post), and I was so inspired by all that's on offer. If only I had the same interest when I was at school as I do now. I thought Daniel might study Geology or Geography, he got A*'s in both those GCSE's. It's a decision between Physics and Maths, he still hasn't decided so we're having to visit both departments when looking round universities.

A garden just outside Venice said...

Geology is a very actual subject indeed, Italy is experiencing earthquakes since mid May.
xxxx

BadPenny said...

I can see how Geology would be useful...it covers so many areas !

The Curious Cat said...

Hope he gets his first choice! Funny the reflections on jobs on offer in the past...sometimes I still feel there needs to be more choice! :) xxx And sometimes I don't...!

Lyn said...

oh I wish I could go back and be a student again....exciting times!
xxx

Jack said...

Good luck with the decision making, and enjoy your trips around - mine wouldn't have me anywhere near a Uni visit! By the way, 52 is no barrier to learning new stuff! Mrs Benson also used to offer nursery nurse and factory work (corah)! X

Jackie, Erik, Jake, Drew said...

Exciting times! Good luck with the Uni hunt. I totally agree about the beautiful buildings. P.S. my Mum worked at Corah's!