You must have noticed this blog post is posted two weeks after the anticipated final week blog post. This is because the final class of this module was postponed to allow other groups finalise their vodcasts and submit in-time for the class video viewing. Following complete submission, this week we finally had the last class of communicating science module during which we got to see the each other’s video projects. I thought all the groups did so well despite the constraints we were presented with. I particularly appreciated each group’s level of creativity considering we all could not meet with each other and shoot as initially planned. One group presented a similar topic- climate change as my group. Like that wasn’t nerve-racking enough, they actually did a very good job. We both approached the topic in different aspects and I loved that I could actually relate with what they discussing in their video since my research was in the same area. And with all videos viewed, it had finally come to the end. We had reached the end of the road with no more lecturers or assessments to look-forward to except this final blog post.

As I sit to write this post, I want the atmosphere around me to feel calm and special. I tune to my relaxing piano instrumentals and my coffee to within my reach. I remember my first day in the communicating science class and how far I have grown since then. This module excited me for a number of reasons; it was definitely out of my usual classes; and I never said this, but I had a colleague who did this course last year and she shared with me how she enjoyed it. She told me I would love it too since it was different, diverse and fun. I took her words for it and embraced this chapter of my postgraduate studies way before it even began. I remember feeling anxious and challenged by the assessment modalities for the module as the professor explained. We would have to deliver a presentation, create a blog, write a press release and produce a vodcast, he described! I had made presentations prior to this class but the rest were unfamiliar to me and I wondered how I would ever do them. Today, I have written a press release, learnt how to create a blog and made a vodcast. The press release was honestly my favourite piece of assessment – I found it quite straightforward and easy to do. Contrarily, weekly blogging was not as easy. Most times I was met with back to back deadlines from other classes that made it quite challenging to keep up with regular blogging. For someone who isn’t much of a writer, this was rather hard and almost never-ending. However, I found it useful to document my learning process throughout this module. I like the idea of having a personal blog and I am looking forward to pursuing it further. As for the vodcast, it was something in between. I definitely appreciate the skills it has equipped me with for I know they’ll come in handy.

My most memorable moments during this course includes the abrupt one minute presentations we had to make during the lecture on public speaking. I still remember how I was picked to speak first, and how long that minute lasted. It was a good exercise and oh how I wish it helped me with my live presentation, which was quite a disaster. My previous presentations during this master’s course were rather good, but during this particular day I stood there like I had never made a presentation in my life. I can never forget the disappointment I felt right after the presentation and all I know is I do not want to feel that way again.

The concept and experience of having guest lecturers was my ultimate highlight for this module. Their journey from different careers to communicating science inspired me to consider this for a career. I am not entirely sure what and when I will venture into but it is something I have at the back of my mind. The workshops gave me a chance to engage directly with key aspects of the module for example the workshop on film-making was my favourite. I learnt so much about film-making in a few hours and got to make a short film too- of course the film was terrible but the experience was worth it. It helped me with preparations for the vodcast group project, and I was not afraid to engage with technology as opposed to when I had just joined the class.

I was sad that we did not get to have face-to-face meetings for the remaining workshops of the module, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was hard to keep my motivation up for online studies as well as assessments especially under the gloomy atmosphere. With increasing levels of my anxiety, fear and worry, I was ready to throw in the towel and head back home. Unfortunately, going home was not an option due to restrictions on travels, meaning quitting was not an option. Looking back at my first blog post, I remember promising myself not to give up, I am embarrassed to have thought of quitting. I had to complete what I started despite the unsettling situation. Keeping my mind clear of overwhelming news was my best strategy to keeping calm and focussed.

As I conclude this detour into communicating science, I take with me the importance of keeping an open mind and embracing diversity in terms of my career. With this, my train of thought is enhanced and I am ready to explore new career avenues life has to offer.

The world is my oyster!! And with this, I sign out.