End of an Era… Sort of…

Hello noble readers.So, today was the last day of term for normal lessons at my first year in BHASVIC. It’s certainly been a rollercoaster. Thankfully, a largely positive one. So, here are my opinions on the year. First of all, the institution itself is far superior to any other I have been to. It’s nice to finally find an educational establishment that treats it’s students like responsible, intelligent adults, not a bizarre mixture of toddlers, convicts and concentration camp detainees. I have a great deal more respect for figures in authority if they don’t have a stuck up god complex, and certain teachers at my previous school who will remain nameless for the simple reason that various law enforcement agencies are monitering my computer and will doubtless suspect me of firebombings could learn a lot from the BHASVIC staff.

To expand on my first point, I think one of BHASVIC’s greatest assets is it’s people. I can say without a hint of exaggeration that I met more fantastic people in my first year at BHASVIC than I have at any other point in my life, this is not, of course, to belittle my other friends in any way. But the amount of awesome people at BHASVIC is staggering.

Another advantage is the lesson structure, the college feels like a University, not a school which, after 5+ years of day in, day out slow grinding education with nicotine addicted teachers that seemed perminently suicidal is a huge blessing. To reitorate my previous point, BHASVIC students are treated like adults.

I won’t bore you with mindless praise, even though I could go on for hours, but i will devote some of this entry to the people that made my BHASVIC year even better. First of all, all of my teachers:

Val: My tutor, who helped so much during this year it’s almost frightening.

Andy: The best, and I’m not just saying that because he’s the only one of them who reads my blog… Also, as a brief personal note, I’d like to thank Andy for running the awesome creative writing group, and for being an amazing teacher

Darren: His flaired cordoroys are known for miles around.

Keith: What can I say? His mad Smart board tapping skillz and snappy political insight into the Vietnam war (it ended up being ‘a bit shit’) always brightened my day.

Karen: Great tutor and wonderful influence, even if she was almost worryingly knowledgeable at times.

James: To coincide with James’ attitude throughout the year, my answer will not make sense: RAWR RAWR GRUBBA GRUBBA GRUUUUUUBAAAA SNACK ARGH RAWR.

Cath: Another great teacher, and we studied Action/Adventure films, so I’m happy.

The people at LS: For repeatedly telling me to fill in my task sheet, which I’m sure was for the best, and also for being present in all of my lessons to give help and support (Go Sue!)

How could I forget the students? Well, quite easily actually, but that’s because of my recent loss of short term memory. These are my fellow friends, Romans and countrymen that have helped make the three-month-long rain falls seem fun and bearable. Much like the teachers above them, this is in no order at all, and includes people that aren’t actually from the college. If you’ve been left out, I assure you it’s not deliberate, I’m just being dopey.

Charles: He garners a mention due to his support during tutor sessions and out of lessons, and also because he’s my oldest friend and I feel the need to constantly justify my relationships *self medicates*.

Emma: Despite not being a BHASVIC student, she helped me more than I can remember, so ta, if it wasn’t horribly clichéd, I’d use the term “Kindred spirit” – Bollocks, I just did.

Hannah: At the very top tier of the people I met at my year at BHASVIC, Hannah has been nothing but a pleasure to know, and made Media, Film and the times in between a downright joy. I offer my most sincere thanks, and add this: “Keithtianity shall prosper!”

Lucy: For being in both my film studies and Creative Writing classes, and for generally being a voice of mediated sanity in a world of drudgery.

Jamie, Alex Fry, Kai, Patrick, Owen and the others that I’d like to name but can’t due to space constraints: Even though almost none of you actually GO to BHASVIC (except Owen, who starts next year), thanks for being there for me with your individual blends of humor.

Dan, and those I know over the internet: Again, even though you live in different cities, countries and even continents, I would like to thank you all for your support.

Alex Mills, Josie, and my film studies class: Never have I encountered such a spectrum of open minds and clear thinkers. I’m proud to have “served” with such a wonderful class of youths who aren’t afraid to speak their minds.

Alex Roycroft: My comrade at arms (why am I using so much military terminology?) throughout English. A great person to know generally, his memory regarding Much Ado About Nothing quotes is astounding.

My English class: I was very lucky to be in such a varied group for English, full of friendly faces (when did this become a White Collar, middle management leaving speech?), it was a pleasure.

My Media class: It was great to be anchored in place next to such fine fellows and fellowesses to experience the educational hedge maze that was James.

My form: For being generally great… and putting up with Anthony screaming Homophobic slurs in my ears, and for restraining me when I attack Anthony with large pieces of wood, and… Well, you get the idea.

Creative Writing group: A set of minds far superior to my own, I am truly in awe. Please keep doing what you do best (oh, and Morgan likes prog rock, which makes him an inspiration to us all). Caitlin, even though I was only in the group with you for a comparatively short amount of time, I found your social insight fascinating. Thank you all.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone once more (because I’m THAT nice) as well as those I’ve forgotten (because I’m THAT forgetful). With that, I shall finish by saying this: I hope that year two of BHASVIC is every bit as positive and eventful as this one has been.

It has occurred to me that this blog is so full of praise it almost feels like a suicide note… it’s not, by the way… *Shifty eyes*.

- Tom

Tags: an, BHASVIC, End, era, First, of, year