"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
This is a question everyone is plagued with form the age of about 4 years old. It first starts at school with replies like astronaut, singer, and firefighter. For me I remember saying "a teacher!", but I now know that's only because my mother is a teacher, along with many other members of my family and I just wanted to copy them. Then when the days of 14,15, and 16 years old came around, more sensible replies were given like nurse, lawyer, and electrical engineer. It felt like everyone around me had a plan and I was clueless. I put way too much pressure on myself to have a solid career path chosen , and when nothing in any of the country's top universities and collages grabbed my attention, I started looking further afield.
Then BOOM. Scotland found me. I say that because I honestly can't remember how I even came across the courses. My problem was none of the courses I was looking at here were creative enough without being a degree in Fine Art, or having a none-existent academic side. And since my OBSESSION with fashion to the point where I can't even sleep at night is quite evident, I'm sure it's no surprise that my dream would be to do a degree in fashion. I originally looked at Fashion Design, but self-doubt and a lack of security got the better of me, and so I started researching more industry focused degrees with an emphasis on both creativity and academia. After months of research I took a big step and went to a visit afternoon on the 26th of June 2013 in Robert Gordon University to look at their BA in Fashion Management. Although I had my mother's full support I was still nervous on the day of the visit. I needn't have worried because one word can be use to sum up RGU. Wow.
It is probably the most forward-thinking, modern, friendly university I have ever visited. After a tour of the campus where the group got to see the stunning new buildings on campus, (with more to come in the near future) including the sports centre and glass library with a stunning 360 degree view of the city. (Glass windows are my weakness. I just couldn't handle it!) Then myself, and two other girls who were interested in the course (along with our mothers) had a meeting with Karen, the course leader. She was one of the coolest people I have met, and she reassured me that the course wasn't too business orientated, which I was concerned about because I'm not the most businessy person you could meet. It's around 50% creative modules like creating a fashion magazine, styling, event management, and digital design using photoshop ect. and 50% business modules like marketing, PR and branding, all of which are aimed at the fashion industry so I think I would still enjoy them! The course is the perfect blend of allowing more creative students to shine and express themselves, along with it still being academic and suited to people who like business. Now I just have to hope I get accepted when I apply in September!! I also felt strangely at home in Aberdeen. It's a big enough city that there is loads to do, with a brilliant student scene, but not too big to be intimidating, or easy to get lost in, which I tend to do a lot in cities. I have absolutely no sense of direction whatsoever!!
 |
What I wore to RGU
Jacket-River Island
(Blog post coming soon on how to style it!)
Shirt-H&M
Leather trousers-Vero Moda
Studded Pumps-Primark
Necklace-Topshop
Bag-Aldo |
 |
The amazing view from the library!
(Even if it is a little cloudy) |
We also made the journey down to Galashiels, south of Edinburgh, to take a look at the BA in Fashion Communication at Heriot Watt University. Although on paper the degree seems much more suited to me and my goals of working in fashion journalism/ advertising/ styling, if I'm completely honest, it felt all wrong in person. My number one had been demoted to number two! The course and university seemed quite intense, competitive and had practically no element of academics to it (which my mother did not like!). Even though the people I met there were nice and the building was modern, I just felt uncomfortable there. I know I would be very isolated there, unlike the vibrant city of Aberdeen and the atmosphere of RGU, and with little student support services I know I would struggle living in another country independently from my family for the first time. You have to follow your gut. And my gut was saying 'NO!'.
Even though that part of the trip didn't go as planned, I still enjoyed the beautiful sights and sounds of Edinburgh. The stunning architecture and bustling city atmosphere I saw in Aberdeen was even better, (no offence, I still love you! :P) and I loved walking around soaking it all in.It truly is a beautiful city, and I would definitely go back and spend more time there.
 |
| Lovin' life! :D |
 |
Me and my mom! :)
What I'm wearing
Oversized leather embossed jumper-Zara
Necklace-Topshop
Leather gilet-H&M
Bag-Aldo |
I really could see myself at RGU. It feels right, and the degree gives me the opportunity to follow my dream of working in fashion journalism/ advertising, while still being broad enough to give me the freedom to try new things and pursue other jobs within the fashion industry. In the end what will be will be.
I have a good feeling about the future......
Ciara x
