Week 11 Already?!

Week 11 crept up without a warning. As all the deadlines approach, I am slowly becoming more and more stressed, trying to figure out a healthy balance between four subjects and working 30+ hours a week. Despite my struggles, I know the assessments need to be done no matter what. University is my priority, so I find myself knocking back extra shifts at work when they need me (sorry boss). 

As a second year student doing a third year subject, I started off the course already intimidated by that fact. However, I forced myself to find the confidence to quickly get over it so I wasn’t hindered when it came to the work. 

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When talks of the major assignment started, I had nothing. I didn’t have a clue what to do a story on. When I thought I had come up with a somewhat good idea, I re-read the assessment brief and realised it had to relate to the course topics we had covered throughout the semester. So there I was, back at square one. 

I was so clueless, asking my friends in the class if they had any idea what they were going to do a story on, but they were in the same boat as me. 

It wasn’t until I expressed my stress to my mum, that she reminded me events happening around us. One of which being an ongoing incident that was happening at a correctional centre in a nearby suburb. 

A correctional officer had been accidentally pricked by a used needle while on duty. With a prevalence of blood borne diseases in jails, this is a very serious issue.

However, I didn’t hear about this through the news. Would they really broadcast something like this all over televisions and newspapers? I doubt it. They hardly cover government-responsible issues – or not without some sort of backlash.

So there, my story was born. The safety of correctional officers while on duty – a public interest matter. 

I quickly figured out my interviews, and I was impressed with the cooperation from Correctional Services NSW (CSNSW). I emailed the department asking for an interview for a university assignment and their initial reply explained they have a lot of university enquiries, yet a large media demand, meaning they may not be able to participate in my research.

Before I could even think of a new interviewee, I received a reply from the media spokesperson informing me to send questions along which he will answer.

I was extremely thrilled to have a CSNSW perspective included in my assignment, however I would of preferred if the interview was done in person so I could of done an audio package. However, beggars can’t be choosers.

I’m in the midst of conducting my other two interviews. I would of liked them to be done a week or so ago, however with everyone’s work schedules and other commitments, it couldn’t be done. 

I am confident with my story, and the fact that I’ve even started has taken some stress off. I’m actually enjoying writing and research the topic, which makes it easier to complete. 

As the days go on and the weeks go faster, I’m trying to prioritise which assessment I should be doing and when I should be doing it. I’m doing the best I can and I’m looking forward to November 8th, when I can close my laptop!