May, For Me

When summer hit Sheffield for 4 days. Also, I recently heard that you can actually wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and not just wear on top of your head as a fashion accessory! I know right!? How strange.

It’s June tomorrow – which means we’re almost halfway through the year, how crazy is that? May has been a pretty busy month, but one of the most exciting so far!

MAIN HIGHLIGHTS

  • ๐Ÿ’ผ I updated my CV, sent it off, was invited for an interview and then offered more amazing experience! Not only that, but I also received invaluable feedback which to me is the most important part of the application process. Always make use of feedback – it’s essential for growth!
  • ๐Ÿ’ป I’ve had some great networking opportunities this month which led to further offers to explore the tech industry – super thankful!
  • ๐Ÿ”ฌ I joined the MedTech Sheffield group as their new Tech Lead and COO. I’ll be helping them organise their hackathon Spring next year and other events that aim to bring people from different backgrounds together to help solve healthcare and medical problems.
  • ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿป Celebrated Hamdah’s 21st birthday in style
  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Celebrated HackSheffield’s win with Matt and the rest of the HS crew. Thank you for inviting me (any excuses to dress up makes me happy!) ๐Ÿ’–
  • โ˜• Awesome meetings and catch-ups with a bunch of great people (at awesome places!)
  • ๐Ÿ‘” Getting lots of work done during my placement. I have less than 3 months left – I can’t believe it!
  • ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿผ Hitting fitness goals every week
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿ’ป I started learning Ruby on Rails – I’ve tried to set an hour every day – it’s empowering! Coding is a superpower. ๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿผ
  • ๐Ÿ’œ I’m a part of some awesome projects – more information to follow ~ I am extremely thankful once again for the opportunities!
  • ๐Ÿ’Œ I received a postcard from the lovely Tara
  • โœˆ I’M GOING TO NEW YORK. NOT SURE IF I MENTIONED IT YET. BUT I’M GOING TO NEW YORK. I KNOW, CRAZY, RIGHT?!

Things I’m HAPPY about

 Meeting new people, positive communities and awesome friends

I met some pretty cool people in May.

Borja was one of them. A Computer Science student, interested in cyber security who can also speak Chinese (multi-talented or what?) I’ve enjoyed learning about cyber security from him – more I’d probably ever learn by just reading about it. He also writes blog posts and doesn’t tweet enough. You can also call him Percival because he’s cool like that.

I mentioned in my previous post that I organised a gathering with fellow CF: G instructors. Whenever I don’t see them for a while, I was reminded once again of how strong the community we’ve built together in Sheffield is. The passion for tech and inclusion from them is empowering. I am so proud to be a part of it!

Tara surprised me with a postcard from when she went to Hakodate – thankful for global friends!

And I could talk to you all about Hamdah – how amazing she is, how she motivates me, how happy she makes me…

But oh wait, I have

Healing

My anxiety got me really bad at times this month and although meditation and exercise consistently have helped, sometimes it got to the point I was stuck in a circle of negative thoughts. With a little longer and more frequent self-care remedies, I am proud and happy to say that I managed to snap out of it – something I wouldn’t have been able to do before. I’m a lot more in control of myself and I love it. When I compare to how I was last year or in the past in general, I’ve made such a big improvement – healing one step at a time.

The people I’m surrounded by have made this process easier, thank you ๐Ÿ’–

Body positivity

In contrast to last month, I have made such a huge improvement in my fitness routine and hitting my goals of working out 6 times a week (this had started turning into 4/5 sometimes 3 last month!) I’ve felt a fresh wave of motivation since seeing more frequent body positivity posts, reading Georgie’s recent post on her fitness journey, bonding with fellow fitness gals at the gym, and of course, buying new Gymshark clothes (oops!)

I posted this on Instagram a few weeks ago about my food choices, mindset, and chase for perfection. The bottom line is: don’t be so hard on yourself for eating a cupcake. You’re still amazing. 

If you follow me on Twitter, you’d know that I was attacked by someone on Instagram because of the workout selfies I post every morning. I admit I was a little upset by it at first but I’ve loads support since – thank you to everyone who sent me a sweet message, I really appreciate it! The messages I was receiving has motivated me to keep on going with my fitness grind.

I love sharing my progress, not only to keep accountable but to motivate others too. I’m exhilarated when I know I’ve helped someone else start or continue! Let’s continue to support each other. ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿผ

May in pictures

What a sociable month! From left to right: yoga at the peaks, Hamdah’s 21st birthday lunch, hanging out with Borja, CF:G instructor meet-up, Hamdah during exam season, Saturday workout, Eurovision pizza, Activities Awards and Bill’s Resturant.

MONTHLY FAVOURITES

๐Ÿ“บ Series

I never thought I’d be writing about a series because I don’t watch much, in fact, the last I saw was probably Friends. ๐Ÿ˜… After much persuasion from Matt, I started watching Silicon Valley and now I’m hooked. ๐Ÿคฃ

๐Ÿ‰ Food

I didn’t use to like Greek Yogurt (the one I have is by FAGE) but now I always take one to the office, I have it by itself or with berries (yuuuuum!)

๐ŸŽถ Music

Empowered females empowering other females? Yes, please.

๐Ÿ“ Other

I’ve found a new addiction – mind mapping my whole life. During one of my lunch breaks, I mapped out my University experience on MindNode. It’s awesome to see an overview of everything and creating links!


Next month

Goals

  • Keep up with the routine! โœ๐Ÿ’ญ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿผ
  • Stay on top of work before leaving to NYC

Events

  • Ballin’ again – why do I love dressing up so much?
  • I’m meeting Chynna and Mutay in London after years, I’m telling you, YEARS of following each other on social media and reading each other’s blogs. I can’t wait, expect an even bubblier version of me that day!
  • I’m also meeting the one, the only Micah on the same day. Micah has been one of the biggest supporters over the past few months and has been an inspiration for years. I admire her drive in her career, her studies and her hustle so much. ๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿผ
  • I’m going to New York, the city I’ve always dreamt about going to. I didn’t think I would ever go in my 20’s but I’m making it happen. Excited? Yes, OMG. Scared? No doubt. Excitement and eager to experience the US > fear? Absolutely. Bring it onnnnnn! โœจ
  • I’ll be turning  21 on the 24th. In NYC. *emotional mess*

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Discover what ignites your passion, that’s your real job here on earth, let it light you up and then find a way to share that with other people.

20 responses to “May, For Me”

  1. Sounds like you had a great month, Pauline! Glad to hear you’re meeting your fitness goals. I can’t imagine getting to the gym that many times in one week. That’s amazing! Forget that idiot on Twitter. I love seeing how far you’ve come and how well you’re doing. I’m sure you’ve motivated loads of people to exercise more and go for their goals!

    Omg so jealous that you’re meeting Chynna and Mutay! Hope you guys have fun. You’ll definitely have to do a post about it. I love reading about bloggers meeting for the first time!

    Hope you have fun in New York too. I’ve always wanted to go. I bet it’ll be amazing!

    1. I can’t wait to meet them both, we’ve known each other online for a while! ๐Ÿ™‚

      We should meet up soon!

  2. Your pictures are amazing *u*

    Congratulations on getting an offer! You’re doing a great job with your professional growth! I’m proud of your achievements and there’s more ahead in your road ;). It’s always good to network. There’s always a possibility that someone could give you a good helping hand along the way.

    It’s awesome that you’ve planned a trip out to NY!

    Cybersecurity is a growing thing. I’m glad that you got to learn some neat things about cyber from him! I suppose in relation, cybersecurity is essential in the healthcare field. Lots of sensitive personal data needs to be protected from possible breaches.

    Good that you’ve been healing! I’m happy to see your progress and happiness increasing over the months!

    Sounds like you had another wonderful month! Have a great June :).

    1. Says you! Your photo qualities are always bomb asf!

      Yes definitely – we were actually discussing the NHS before the incident which was sort of spooky.

      You too Nancy! <3

  3. Congratulations on your many accomplishments! This must be such an exciting time for you, with so many opportunities opening up and your hard work paying off. I also love that you’re trying to spend an hour a day learning Ruby of Rails. I don’t think I even have the devotion to read a book an hour a day so it is always so motivating to see people who go out and do what they’re committed to. Your fitness journey is also an inspiration since you work so hard and I love seeing your daily workout Instagram. And congrats on being able to “snap out” of your anxiety on your own during a negative thought cycle. I feel like that is a major life accomplishment that needs more credit.

    Have fun in New York! *cue Alicia Keys’ Empire State of Mind* I regret not staying in NYC longer when I had the chance in the summer during college. I love the city and I find it so inspiring. I love the hustle and bustle and the feeling of all of the possible dreams. I find it super motivating to be surrounded by that type of environment. Oh Pauline, enjoy your NYC adventure! I hope the city inspires you.

    1. When I get lazy, I always like to remind myself why I started doing it in the first place, what value it brings me and what I hope to get out of it. This really helps! ๐Ÿ˜

      Thank you so much Thao, I am so excited!

  4. You’re going to love NY! I used to live there and it’s every bit as amazing as they say.

    And congrats on your Tech Lead role; that’s exciting! Seems like May had a lot in store for you, and hope June brings more good things to come. ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Thanks for the comment Cindy! You too! ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. That’s a nice quote of the month ๐Ÿ™‚ Yeah exercising is good for anxiety! It looks like you’ve done quite a lot of things this month (Pictures)! The pizza looks yummy.

    1. It was a Eurovision pizza! xD

  6. As usual quite a month!

    Glad you didn’t let some jerk get you down! Keep up the great work! And your birthday?! Awesome! Have fun in NY!

  7. Oh! Are you going to New York for work?

    1. Hey Sakura! ๐Ÿ™‚

      No, I’m going on holiday there!

  8. Your May was full of so many great opportunities ๐Ÿ™‚ Also fun times, too, for you celebrated some great things like Hamdah’s birthday and Matt’s HackSheffield’s win ๐Ÿ˜€ I’m also excited for your New York trip! I know you’re going to have a good time!

    I’m surprised you were surprised by the postcard. I thought I’d told you or asked you for your address? Maybe not? I did have like 20+ postcards to send, so maybe I didn’t consult you? LOL. Either or, I’m glad it made it to you and that you like it! Many yes to global friendships! <3

    I'm sorry to hear your anxiety was strong this month, but I'm glad your self-care remedies have helped. It definitely helps when you have supportive friends and family members around you. And I still remember that punk giving you that unnecessary crap about the workout photos. Jeebus. You don't need people like that in your life!

    I AM SO JEALOUS! You get to meet Chynna?! You have a blast with her and Mutay <3 I can't wait to see your blog post about that meeting. Oh, and your NY trip!

    1. I remember you sending me a message just asking if I received it! This alone surprised me <3 Thank you so much, I really do appreciate it!

      YES! I am so EXCITEDDDD! I've been wanting to meet Chynna for years, she's an inspiration to many – including myself!

  9. Awwww you look lovely in the first photo! Yup, that’s how I usually feel when summer hits San Francisco, on random days of the year. So far there haven’t been any summer days this month, but it was oddly warm in March. ๐Ÿ˜› You’re gonna need them sunglasses in New York! (Actually I can’t promise you nice weather at this time of year, sorry dear hehe, but you WILL have so much fun regardless. New Yorkers don’t bat an eyelid about the weather.)

    Hmm every time you write about work / tech things, I get confused to if you’re a student or a professional career mentor. It must be because you’ve accomplished so much! I really admire that.

    I’m sorry to hear about your anxiety. Make sure you remind yourself that it’s not about conquering it so don’t beat yourself up when it does happen. ๐Ÿ™‚ Also, you do so many wonderful things that you enjoy and care about, and that’s the most amazing thing to do for your own healing! Proud of you sista.

    As for that dude … (I just had to click on the link). Wow. I know someone who is like that too. He always randomly comments on things in my life (if I post on Facebook). So, he knows that I like mobile games and was making one for my thesis – one day he sends me a link to an article that says mobile gaming is not the future of the industry, and asks me what I thought of it. Eerily similar to this creep who attacked you. Creeps somehow manage to work their way into the deepest parts of us and attack from there. So don’t take anything they say, because it’s toxic.

  10. I agree that feedback is so important โ€“ especially with regards to your career where there is so much potential to grow and be a better version of yourself. Sometimes itโ€™s not just given to you; you have to ask โ€“ but people are more than willing to give.

    I love that technology is becoming more of an important factor in medical science. I hear about people in Australia working in the health sector and saying there is not much going for medical technology. But I think it is slowly growing, so itโ€™s great you are doing stuff with MedTech and bringing more awareness to technology in the medical sector.

    Although I learned some Ruby I am not sure if I will use it much! I am more keen on learning JavaScript because I know it will really help me in my job and career, in the direction I want to go. Not to say that Ruby isnโ€™t useful, but everyoneโ€™s situations are different. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Iโ€™m glad you could relate to my post and found it inspiring โค๏ธ I love seeing other people being positive about their body, no matter what shape or size they are. LOL AND I just bought more Lululemon gear hahahahaha. HIGH FIVE.

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