Christmas 2015

So it's come to that time of year where the mince pies, inside green trees, silly red hats and the fat guy with the beard come out. Everybody is singing, buying presents and preparing for whats supposed to be an enjoyable day of the year.

As I've grown up December the 25th has become like an ordinary day to me. The thing iv mostly looked forward to is getting a day to relax. I aint going to talk totally negative about it, as I understand that some people think quite highly of the day.

I bet a lot of people are out shopping today for their last bits and bobs. There's always one doing the last minute shop. It took myself about 5 weeks to actually complete my Christmas shopping. Although it's supposed to be a happy season I actually bad this annoyed feeling throughout it all. The fact that we all spend so much money and time into one day, it's shocking.

I suppose the concept about driving home for Xmas and spending time with family is the main feeling people attempt to grab from Xmas. Knowing that people are going home after months of working and studying away must mean so much to other people. I know a few people from my uni that have gone home in the last few days after being away since August/September. After speaking to them I realised what it actually meant, knowing that they were going to see their parents, siblings and other dammit members. Seeing how excited they were made me happy and opened my eyes a bit more to Xmas.

I hope everyone enjoys their Xmas eve.

Talk to you soon...

Shanise.xo

Get Ahead Charity Ball - Saturday 28th November 2015

I remember being told about the Get Ahead Charity Ball on the induction day of uni. My head of year handed me this piece of paper which explained all the details of the event, and straight away I knew I wanted to volunteer. I emailed Anne-Marie and we arranged a meeting where we discussed everything that was going to happen on the day of the event. At the end of the meeting she asked me if I was still interested? Of course I was. 

The days up until the event myself, Karina, Veera and Ines (the other volunteers) were so excited and couldn't wait for the day of the event. Worrying about what we were going to wear made it even more exciting.

It was Saturday 28th November... The big day and all us girls arranged to meet at student accommodation. We were finishing to get ready and then made our way to the Hilton Hotel Metropolitan.

Anne-Marie from the Get Ahead Charity, was nice enough to organise a two course meal for all the volunteers before we started working. We got to meet the other people who were working on the night, and got paired up with another volunteer. Anne-Marie gave us a brief running of the night and told us what she wanted us to do.Just before the start of the event we entered the hall. It was one of the most beautifulist rooms I had ever seen. With the clear ice theme and all the tables set out perfectly, with glass chairs and crystal centrepieces it was hard to take my eyes off it all. 

The guests arrived and we were able to interact with them at the drinks reception where champagne was served by the waiters and waitresses. We then directed them through the beautiful Monarch Suite, towards their numbered tables. Over 400 guests arrived for this year's event and every person looked glamorous and handsome.

Thanks to Lemon Zest Events we were able to offer a beautiful event to all of our guests. While the guests entered the hall, they were welcomed by the wonderful Detroit Soul Band, playing the finest soul music to put our guests in the party mood. Once all the guests were sat, myself and the rest of the volunteers were then able to offer the guests the chance to buy a raffle ticket for one of the amazing prizes.

While the guests sat down for a delicious three course meal the night was filled with some wonderful hosting entertainment from Mike Osman, and comedian Kevin Orkian. The chairman of Get Ahead Charity said a speech on stage, thanking all the guests for attending and staff for their hard work. Another speech made was by Shahz Ahmed, the trustee and consultant of the charity. He thanked all the supporters who have made Get Ahead the successful charity it is today. 

Another impact of the night that caught my eye was the inspirational film, which was played for all guests to watch. It basically explained the work that goes into building the charity and what happens to the funds and donations that are raised.

During the entertainment, myself and the other volunteers again worked together to sell more raffle tickets but for bigger and better prizes such as ladies diamond earrings and a mens designer watch. The guests also had the chance of taking part in the events auctions, where other amazing prizes were waiting to be won such as beauty treatments, business classed flight tickets and a motorbike. 

As the night continued and the winning guests were announced, the wonderful RPJ band set up their equipment on stage, getting ready to give their guests a great end to the night. The dance floor quickly got filled as the live band starting playing. Guests and volunteers showed off all their best dance moves, making it a night to remember. 

With all the nights donations, sales and everybody's help, the event raised over £46,000. I can say it was a very successful ending and I am definitely making sure I take part next year, to help raise even more funds for this amazing charity.

Talk to you soon...

Shanise'xo 

Exhausted

Ever had one of them days that, by the time your day finishes and you get home to relax, your body becomes heavy and every move hurts. I have this day at least once a week and it seems to drain a little bit of life out of me, everytime. However I like the feeling as I know I've worked hard.

People are always telling me that I do too much in my life. I know I always complain about how tired I get but I would never stop what I'm doing. It's way to early to stop. I haven't even achieved 10% of what I would love to achieve, so I'll keep going until I feel I've accomplished my goals.

Last Saturday opened my eyes to a part of the industry which I would love to work in. Get ahead Gala ball. It was a charity event for head and neck disease. It was so upper classed and more than half the guests were snobby and stuck up but they had a reason, with the amount of money they were parting with. Obviously all the money went to charity and that's what amazed me. Not many people are aware of charities and would offer to help. If I was able to put on an event for a charity, like I witnessed on Saturday I would feel like I have achieved one of my goals.

By communicating with other event planners, I have found out that you hardly sleep for months and hardly eat for days just because of the organising and making sure everything is booked and paid for. I would most likely be exhausted and half dead by the time the event actually comes around, but the adrelinine rush you get once you see everything put together is overwhelming.

This year has shown me so much and I actually can't believe it's almost over. Another year out and another one in, to fly by. But I will make sure 2016 shows me double the amount which 2015 shown me. I've made plans to ensure I continue doing what I need to do, to succeed. Work and study, work and study, work and study. I also aim to travel 3 times next year, where ever I find space. Canada, Thailand and one more trip which I haven't chosen a definite destination for.

Exhausted, tired or half dead I always keep going. Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for today.

Talk to you soon...

Shanise'xo

It begins here...

I've always wanted to write a blog but never been too sure where to start or how to start. Another reason why I never really started a blog is because I hardly find the time. Trying to juggle my studies, jobs, social-life, family, friends altogether can be hard work and stressful, but what I always try to remind my self is everything today is for the future.

I do have days where I think to myself, that I would love to drop everything and go hide in a corner however the amazing people I have around me, always gives me that push and remind me of what I advice others to do. My mother is a HUGE motivation and inspiration she's not only shown me what struggle is but also what winning is. My main aim is to make her proud of me so she can relax and not have to work anymore.

I'm only 3 months into my first year of university and I just want to race till the end of the three years so I can graduate. In the last four years, I've watched a lot of my old school peers have their journey through university and although I was proud, I always told myself that there was no point me going to university to study. I had that no understanding of it all. Giving myself that push last year I finally found the courage to complete my access course and apply for university and I now wish I did the university journey 3 years ago.

It's better late then never, I suppose and I am looking forward to the rest of the journey with as much positives as I can fit in.

I never like to say bye as I believe it means forever. So instead I say, talk to you soon.

Shanise. xo