By Daniel Hutchinson – President, University of Lincoln Students’ Union.
What a summer it has been: the economy and business world has gone from one misfortune to another, Gordon Brown has had no respite on people questioning his leadership, a complete muck-up on SATs results being published, and virtually no sunny days to enjoy.
On the other hand, look at what else has happened: the American presidential race has produced some real passion into politics with its surprising and historical choices of candidates, Great Britain has emerged triumphant after the Olympic team brought home the greatest number of medals in a century, we’ve had the opportunity to celebrate the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams in the 50th year since his death, and Zimbabwe has the opportunity to start again with the ground-breaking coalition government between Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai.
This summer, then, may well make us think about what we shall have to face at the start of another year at university. We may have to contend with the difficulties of study, of ensuring that we can keep our heads above the financial-waters of doom, and that we may not get what we had hoped for in our courses.
The year ahead also provides us with opportunities. For the Freshers, this may well be the first time you taste freedom and independence of living. For those in your final year of study, the prospect of leaving university with a good degree is in your grasp. For all, it is ensuring that another great year at university is created.
What does all this mean? Where do these rambling thoughts lead to? Like all rambles, you never know where it will lead you. But it also means that you never know what will happen. A year ago, Mr. Brown was leading in the opinion polls, 6 months ago Barack Obama looked certain to become the next President of the United States, and 4 months ago Britain was being typically pessimistic about its Olympic prospects.
Let us not, then, dither over decisions that are key to our future. Let us not take for granted our prospects. Instead, let us be positive as we set off on another year. Let us go forth to making the best of our year. And, let us work towards reaping those rewards that we shall work hard for. For, at the end of the day, “Action may not bring happiness, but there can be no happiness without action”.