Year 3 = stress!

So the fact that I’m in my third and final year is finally starting to sink in now. Last term I had 8 deadlines and this term I have 7. Crazy right? Last term the stress levels were high but I managed to stay relatively calm. I have my dissertation due in this term in April and I’ve managed to write about 2,500 words. Not my best but better than nothing! I guess that’s a positive way to look at it…? I’m gonna say it is! I also have a script due in which is 25 pages long and has to be binded professionally. Then on top of that I have essays and portfolios too!

Although I’m saying I’m stressing out a little bit, I’m actually really proud of myself with the grades I’ve received so far. On one of my essays which is worth 40% I got a first and then on a creative project which is worth 50% I received a high 2:1 so I’m pleased that all the hard work I’m putting in is paying off! I graduate this year as well and my third year is worth 75% so I know I have to put in as much hard work as possible!

I feel like all I talk about on this blog is cheerleading and stress but I swear university isn’t all about these two things! It’s really fun and I never want to leave! Of course everyone’s experience at uni is different but I’ve loved it. I’m scared to graduate and go out into the real world!

CHEERLEADING IS TAKING OVER MY LIFE

It’s true; lately I have been obsessed with cheerleading. Over Christmas I was bitten by the cheer bug

and now I’m obsessed. For Christmas I received some lovely gym gear which is great for practice and a beautiful cheer bag which is helpful for our competitions! Over the past few weeks I’ve also watched two seasons of Cheerleaders on Awesomeness TV on YouTube (the episodes only run for 10 minutes each so don’t judge me!) which has really given me loads of motivation!

I’ve been trying my hardest to stretch every day and I’ve actually managed to scorp! (SEE THE PICTURE!!!) It’s a long stretching process and I’m not perfect but if I continue to stretch then hopefully I’ll be there soon! I’m really happy with the results so far though. If you have any stretching tips I’d love to hear them!

I’ve also been stretching for heel stretch and splits, I’ve been following one video on YouTube in particular and within the first few days I noticed loads of progress. Unfortunately I’ve managed to strain one of my muscles and now I’ve lost it all! It’s so painful when I attempt to do these stretches so I now need to rest it from now till competition (which is only like just over 2 weeks away which is crazy scary!!!!).

We’ve been having practice twice a week and from next week we’ll have practice three times a week (!!) so it’s going to be tiring but it’s all worth it when you see your routine come together. Last night we done a full out with the music and it was great, I was so buzzing after we done it! I also got a new cheer bow in blue with gold writing (our colours) with ‘STACEY’ on one side and ‘MERMAIDS’ on the other. I love it!

We’re planning on competing in more competitions this year which I’m excited about. I do love competing, it’s so much fun and when you’re on stage it’s an unreal feeling you get. The amount of adrenaline is so mad! Just before I go on I feel super nervous, but when you’re competing you have to do your best. Not just for yourself but for your squad.

Also, if you do go to this university, you may see some of the cheerleaders around as we’re selling heart shaped lollies for Valentine’s Day! They are £1.50 for 1 or £2 for 2. If you are interested you can find us on Twitter (@uog_mermaids) or on Facebook (University of Greenwich Cheerleading Squad 2014/2015). You can add a personalised message for your crush/love as well J

You can find out more information about our squad here: http://www.suug.co.uk/sports/cheerleading/

Hope you’re all okay!