"I moved here two years ago to do a degree in Film and Television Studies, which I must hasten to add is certainly no Mickey Mouse degree, despite the claims of the tabloid press.
My initial reaction to the town itself on my first two visits here, prior to the start of my degree really was 'I love the University, but I really am not sure about the town.'
How wrong first impressions can be! I had split up with my partner of ten years after desperately trying to rebuild my life after a mental breakdown, the town I came from was a particularly unpleasant place to live in itself and I had become severely agoraphobic. So much so, that I could not leave the house without somebody to accompany me and as my problem is more of a social phobia than anything else I was leading a terribly isolated life.
Two weeks before moving to Aber, I could not walk past the end of my driveway alone and I could only drive my car with my now, ex-partner sitting beside me. The first day I moved I drove the one hundred and twelve miles here in my little MG metro piled high with my belongings and my 'ex' Chris, following along in his car similarly packed to the gunnels with the rest of my innocuous worldly goods.
Since that day, I have never looked back. The people here have helped me to rebuild, not just my self confidence but my faith in humanity. I have many young friends at university who do not even seem to notice that at thirty nine years I am old enough to be their mother.
More importantly though I have noticed that, despite the problems faced by a community so diluted by so many incomers like me, as soon as I explain why I am here, and how much I love being a part of this community, there is always somebody who has a kind word for me.
The support I have been given by the university staff members, and the doctors at Church Surgery who have helped me to make the transition back into the big bad world, tells me time and time again that no matter how many people knock it, Abwerystwyth is a town with a heart of pure Welsh gold."
Update: March 2009
After my BA I went I work on an MA in television studies, hoping that eventually I might go on to do a PHD, looking specificaly at the representation of mental illness in television.
Unfortunately this was not to be, if a student is unable to get funding in the form of a scholarship or a bursary, then they are in the difficult position of juggling study with work, if the are not lucky enough to have a comfortable finacial background.
In my case the job overtook the study, after two attempts, with the help of my fathers meagre pension, I had to admit defeat and accept a Certificate of Post-Graduate Education.
Since then I have continued to live and work in Aberystwyth in a local DIY store, I did hope to find a position where I might be able to complete my MA with the university, however that was not to be, the repetive till work and heavy lifting have resulted in the need for two carpul tunnel operations and exhaustion that has stripped away any desire to do anything outside of work.
I must stress that despite the poor wages and punishing shifts I have worked, the job has allowed me to meet some incredibly interesting people in this town.
From farmers, to musicians, to people like the ex-lady mayoress who have given me a unique insight into its history, incomers, police officers, even the youngest of children, all have made my life here a rich and vibrant tapestry which I shall treasure.
Aberystwyth has allowed me to become an active member of society again, the world is not longer big and bad, just an opportunity to discover new challanges, new interests and so very many real friends. Diolch Aber, I will miss you."
Written by Amanda Jane Baker
Aber Life
your comments
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Dan, Wiltshire
It was warming to hear that you have met and been supported by so many kind and caring people, the light that shines from each of us is often reflected back onto those that deserve it. I hope your light continues to grow.... good luck
Thu Jun 18 09:43:36 2009
Fai Bradley, London
A really encouraging story, I've been to the pits and back, and this is no mean feat to go out and do a degree like that. What's Amanda doing now?
Mon Jan 14 08:29:57 2008
Dave Clare
Thanks for writing about this Amanda -- and well done for all you have achieved. I was really moved by what you wrote, and I'm so glad you are happy. You deserve a lot of credit. As someone who has suffered from mental illness in the past but has recovered, I found your story particularly poignant. I love Aber too... that's why I've moved back here -- and you are right, there is something special about it. Hope things continue to go well for you and you enjoy your life!
Tue Dec 12 14:28:34 2006
Laura Beaumont in Birmingham
Good for you Amanda! Well done for achieving so much and also for standing up for your choice of study.
I did my degree at Aber in English and American Studies (2000-2003), but had a couple of close friends who did Film & TV and it's not as easy as peaople make out. I was really interested in some of the work they did and went to a few lectures out of interest sometimes. I found it very analytical and the courses were based in real research and hard work.
Good luck with your MA and give my love to the good old Irish sea!
Fri Feb 10 12:17:03 2006
rob aberystwyth
I would just add, amanda is right. aber is a place of friends and almost like a large family in some respects as everyone who is on campus knows everyone else and ppl are always social and pleasant. aber is a beautiful place and for anyone's info, the TV and Film Dept here is on the top ten in the country so there we go, Aber rulz!
Mon Oct 10 14:13:34 2005
Amanda Baker
I am dismayed to read Reggie McNasty's comment on my degree choice, I actually did a degree in film and television and am now about to restart an MA in television studies.
The common consensus of opinion does seem to be that these courses mean nothing, people may be suprised at the actual content of these subjects. If ever you would like to get the real picture on them Mr McNasty, look me up, I would be more than happy to show you what value they have in the way we view the world.
I may not change your mind but it would give you a more realistic idea than that given in the tabloid press.
Wed Sep 14 18:50:05 2005
Bowen Bristol
i have just finish a degree a UWA and i miss theplace and the people, and wont to go back.
Happy Dayz!!!!!
Thu Sep 2 16:40:25 2004
Reggie McNasty, Llanon
While it is wonderful for Amanda to have developed as a person, a 'film degree'? Is this what passes for education these days? What's next, a degree in watching TV?
Thu Jul 15 10:15:52 2004
Ciara in Chicago
Having just completed my degree with Amanda, I am lucky to count her among my closest friends. As someone who she has confided in over the last couple of years, I am extremely proud of her and her accomplishment.
Thu Jun 17 17:49:53 2004
Abersytwyth!
As a fellow student at UWA, I was very interested to read Amanda's article. She's right about Aberystwyth - its a fantastic place to live and study! And good luck to her for the future!
Sun Feb 15 11:15:39 2004
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