honestly, I wanna take the time to just point out a some people that continue to fuel my serpent inspo and give me muse and the will to keep writing, even when it seems virtually impossible. eyyylevels, niteshines-on and neonwords are three of many amazing people that continuously offer support and guidance and while in the background, are just as important to me as anyone else that writes/creates for this fandom. genuine, kind souls, and great friends, and idk what I would do without them. Thank you so much for being amazing lil beans, ily all from the bottom of my heart. they’re honestly appreciated more than words can even describe.
anonymous at @eyyylevels, @niteshines-on, @neonwords
Hi! I'm hoping to apply for Japanese Studies in year or two, and would like to know what kind of preparation I can do to help show how interested I am in the subject (I can't study Japanese for A levels so I'll have to self-study). I've recently completed my GCSEs, and I'll be starting college soon for A levels (Spanish, Sociology, Ancient History, and Classical Civilisation). I've heard that taking a modern language is desirable for the degree, but should I begin studying Japanese at home too?
Yup, I think self-studying some Japanese is a good idea! Ofc you don’t need to be fluent or anything by the time you apply, but it’s a good way of demonstrating an interest in the language. There are loads of free language websites that you could use, or, alternatively, you could enroll in an intensive language program over the summer if there are any near you/find a private tutor if possible!
You can also read around the subject. Unfortunately the Cam reading list for Japanese is locked (so you can’t access it unless you’re a Cam student), but a helpful expert has previously recommended Natsume Soseki’s I Am A Cat. @eyyylevels was also a 2016 applicant, and may have some recommendations, but otherwise just look around the Internet for book lists about parts of Japanese culture/history/art that you’re interested in!
So as my blog title says, I am active but school and home life has added a lot of stress and pressure on me over the last few months leading to...social incompetence. Here’s the update...
- Mental health improved and then swan-dived. Into concrete. So...great.
- My grandad recently passed away.
- Trauma from home got overwhelming.
- Stopped counselling because I was okay but then...wasn’t. Back in now though.
- Overall relationship with my family got really tense and stressful.
BUT
- Recently reached 10 months together with my wonderful boyfriend.
- Went on TWO (TWO) Asian and Middle Eastern Studies courses in Cambridge. And oh my days I would take a bullet for one of the lecturers there. She was so intellectually invigorating. The whole experience was tbh. It felt like my illnesses disappeared and my previous mental state came back as soon as the lecture started. Also talked to one of the admissions officers about my circumstances and got so much understanding and support. Unreal. Go Emma!
- Discovered Ibz Mo. Watch and subscribe for a life-changing experience. #BadBitchSquad.
- Got a job working as a commis in a restaurant. I can now save up for uni and support myself until then.
- Started running and going to the gym at college.
- Set up a solid study routine for a-levels. My overrall chances of going to Cambridge seem...thin due to the bullshit of the last year or so but my college has allowed me to retake my mocks in September which means I just need to work on homework and do as best I can now, and then work my ass off in the summer when things calm down more.
- I think my skin is improving and I’m getting hydrated???
So...life is weird and stressful, but it’s also hopeful.
Although I’m socially incompetent, my inbox is always open.
