The end of an Era.

Not really. But it certainly seems like it.

Next week marks the final week of my year-long adventure as a Diploma-level student of media and communications. It's insane. I feel as though I've been here for a lifetime and have gotten so used to my environment at school: my teachers, classmates, our 'chill' table during lunch. It seems impossible to let it all go. Despite my day-to-day raging on how I don't ever want to look at another camera again or touch anything that has the word 'Adobe' in it - I feel like I'm leaving home.

My experience at TAFE has been an interesting one. I've evolved in so many ways and what I value most is how the course has changed my outlook on not just the media, but life as a whole. I was lucky enough to have a teacher who not only put all of her effort into shaping us to be the best that we possibly can in our chosen industry, but moulded us to be better people. Better humans. Through everything that I have learnt to do with communications, I also learnt about world issues - about governments, politics, laws and ethics. About things that are wrong with our world today, and things that we have the power to change. Things that matter, reaching far beyond the glorified piece of paper I will be getting in the mail in a couple of weeks as a gratis to my hard work.

On top of everything, I've made life-long friends. And no matter where my path leads me next, whether that be sound design, directing, photography, journalism or some 9-5 PR office job, I'll be glad that I can always look to these individuals who have gone through this journey with me, and call them my buddies.

It is the end of an Era for me, but it is also the beginning of many things to come. For one, the only reason I started this blog is for an assignment. But it's somewhat turned me into a word-hog. I bloody love blogging and I will keep doing it. A prime example of how education can leave you with something invaluable. Stay in school, kids!

I truly have enjoyed my year as a media student, and I hope to keep updating you guys on the direction which my life takes me next.

Adios, TAFE!

-Dahlia