BBC Meet and Greet Staff Session

At the beginning of January, I was met with the opportunity to take part in work experience at BBC Radio 5live, as a member of the meet and greet staff. I, among other journalism students at Salford University, received an email about this opportunity and after much frantic deliberation about whether I'd be good enough, I just thought, you know what - I have absolutely nothing to lose!

So I went away and began writing a 200 word response on what I think I could potentially bring to BBC Radio 5live and a few snippets about what I've done in the past - work experience related and tried to show my personality in the most succint, but best way that I could. Then the next stop, was to attach my CV and application and BOOM! hit the send button...

After I did that, I sat and swivelled around in my chair, starting at the screen, wondering who would receive that email, what they would think and of course, if I could be good enough for the opportunity.

I've got to admit, although I virtually forgot about the opportunity, now and again, especially at night when I tend to lay there and kill myself with opportunities I haven't yet taken part in (which I'm sure you'll either totally relate to or think I'm a mad woman), the thought that I could potentially get the opportunity would always be tiptoeing around in my mind.

When I received the email that said 10 students had been shortlisted from Salford University, (this was across a national platform and many universities put their students forward), and I was one of them, the only feeling I can describe it as is shock, excitement and a little anxiety, anticipating the unknown...

I believe I can write well, I'm a generally confident and bubbly person and I do work hard for where I want to be, but in the wacky, worldwind of journalism work experience opportunities and placements, where competition is at an all-time high, boiling to the brim with bubbly and creative individuals, I genuienly believed I didn't stand a chance.

Although I didn't actually get the opportunity to go down to the BBC for the session, after not being shortlisted to the second round, the fact that I was shortlisted in the first place out of many that applied, was enough to prove to me that I can get myself noticed and heard, no matter how hard it seems to be able to do that today.

If anything, being knocked back from an opportunity like this has only made me more determined to succeed, and has made me a stronger individual.

So if you ever feel disheartened by knock backs and rejections, just remember, it happens to us all and you're not the only one. Yes, journalism is a competitive industry, but it's also full of determined, hard-working individuals who have done a hell of a lot to be where they are today, including experiencing their fair share of knock backs, which I find incredibly inspiring.

Knowing this, keeps my ambition to work in the media alive and hopefully, one day, I will get there.

An example of my fashion writing.

First up in the firing line for our top 5 is this simply stunning LBD a.k.a ‘little black dress’ from Warehouse. Always a classic, the LBD, renowned for its ability to slim and skim over any problem areas, has been revamped, with a touch of fringing around the shoulder and bust area to give a subtle hint of the inner rock chick within you, whilst the sexy, stud-like diamante detail jazzes the dress up. For accessories, stick to a shimmering, metallic silver that will bring out the detail in the dress – a cute pair of sparkly, silver sandals would glam it up for a night out on the tiles or a slick pair of black patent, peep toe courts smarten the look up for a more formal occasion.


Next up we have this more casual, cool embroided cream fringed kaftan from TOPSHOP. This edgy, little number is perfect for all you festival felines out there with its fringed hem – the sexy, swinging tassels at the bottom of the dress playfully expose just enough, so it can be worn as a dress, however, if you’re tall, I’d advise you to team it with a cool pair of denim hot pants to save you revealing more than you’d planned! The kaftan will also look great over the top of a bikini on holiday; all you need now is a golden beach, a sweet pair of sunnies’ and a mojito on the rocks. Enjoy!


Here we have a sizzling, sexy, strapless dress by Lipsy, in this season’s hottest shade of tangerine orange. The figure-hugging fabric will accentuate some serious curves, whilst the diamante stud detail of the dress will rock it up and the fiery fringed detail will be sure to make you a force not to be reckoned with. For accessories, it’s all about letting the dress do the talking, as it’s a bold shade already – some simple, gold jewellery is all you need and a pair of nude heels to top it all off. However, if you consider your tan an accessory, opt for a subtle, sun-kissed shade and make sure the tangerine stays put on the dress, not the girl!


This all-over fringed flapper dress by Karen Millen is simply stunning, with its slick, thin straps and low back, it’s the perfect LBD for a special occasion, or even a night out on the tiles. The fringed, almost feather-like detail is sure to make you the hottest bird in town – teamed with a rocking tan and patent black heels, you’ll be turning more than a few heads. Priced at £190, there is a risk you may break the bank – but being this beautiful, I think it’s worth it

Last, but certainly not least, we have this sexy flapper dress by Jovonna London for yogoego.com, which comes in a cool shade of cream. This little number is every inch the party dress, with its fringing detail which will shimmy and sway as you dance, making you centre of attention on the floor. Not only does it look good, it’s also comfortable, with the main body of the dress being 100% silk, it will simply glide over your skin – ensuring you can rock out your moves all night long.

Taken from my piece on the top 5 fringed dresses of last Summer - http://www.offersboutique.co.uk/fashion/dresses/top-5-fringed-dresses.html

The move to Manchester

Middlesbrough to Manchester - reminds me of a certain train journey I take every 3-4 weeks or so. 

But that's how it's been, since September 18th 2011, I have been on my journey into journalism - a train ride into the unknown. 

Half way into my first year as a journalism student at The University of Salford, Manchester, I've been thrown into the snake pit, (not really, more like being sent out to get stories, working towards a deadline), but I've managed to scramble out, not feeling like a corpse - but feeling more alive than ever.

And that's what I've learnt about myself, and why I want to become a journalist, whether it is in print media, digital and online or television - something I've yet to discover. 

Even after a long, hard day of rejection, if you have that drive and passion to still make it as a journalist, then, I believe, you know it's the job for you.