Getting over 2nd year blues

So I've been keeping something under wraps since I started this blog that needs to be made public knowledge now.

To help towards the funding of this elective I applied for the Midwives Magazine Student Travel Scholarship at the Royal College of Midwives Awards. I found out I was shortlisted in October and was invited to London to give a presentation on my reasons for wanting to go to Tanzania, my learning objectives for the trip, and what type of experiences I hope to encounter.

Although the overall application process was hard work on top of existing general student midwife commitments - I'd happily do all that interview preparation again rather than some of the essays! I'll willingly admit that I've suffered with second year blues and knowing I have Tanzania to look forward to has been the light at the end of the tunnel during the last few months.

So after going to London at the end of October for my interview and presentation it was a long wait for the results which were announced at the RCM Annual Midwifery Awards which were held last week on January 24th 2013.

The event room

The event itself was amazing! Everyone looked so glamorous (which I'm sure you'll appreciate, as midwives and students we are mostly in scrubs/tunics - not the feminine dresses we see on BBC's Call The Midwife), the drinks reception was lovely, the atmosphere was nothing but exciting and I spoke with some really interesting people. Then we were all invited into the main event room for the dinner and awards ceremony. The meal was delicious (I joked it was possibly the best meal I'd have as a student!) and there was some wonderful people sat at my table - especially the other shortlisted candidates in my category. Meeting these students from different universities gave the us the chance to compare notes on courses, assignments, placements and, naturally, our electives!

Then the awards ceremony itself began with a speech from Cathy Warrick - chief executive of the RCM - highlighting that although the room was full of wonderful people working within maternity services, getting recognition for the excellent work they do, there are many more midwives and maternity teams who are just as amazing and inspiring that weren't in the room. A sentiment I whole heartily agree with. As the shortlisted entries for each category were announced, and then the winners, the room became electric!

When it came to the Student Scholarship, our table became very quiet and nervous as we wished one another luck. To our amazement it was announced that the scholarship is to be shared between the three entries. This was an amazing surprise and we were all in slight disbelief! What happened over the next five minutes is a bit of a blur, but I remember being called up to the stage to receive my cheque, as I made my way I was congratulated by many people and I was VERY conscious of concentrating on walking and not tripping over!

Emma (editor of Midwives Magazine) Cathy (chief executive of RCM) Me (1 of 3 scholarship winners) Natasha Kaplinsky (news anchor and presenter) 

So I have received part of a scholarship. This is an incredible honour and amazing to think that the judges I met back in October want to support me in making my dream a reality. This has made a big contribution to the money I have to raise for the whole trip, so it has eased a little pressure...but I still have much more to raise!

Being in a room with so many wonderful midwives getting recognition for excellence and innovation was nothing short of inspiring. Even if I hadn't received any part of the scholarship, just being there and making the contacts I have was inspiring and has completely reignited my motivation. 

Second year blues are definitely over!

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners; especially my fellow students, what a fantastic way to start our journey in midwifery :)

And I know I've said 'inspirational' too many times, but I can't think of any other suitable word lol

I'll be doing another blog later this week, I've had a lot of people ask me why I'm wanting to do an elective, so that's going to be my next topic :)