Surprise Prize

I arrived home from work this evening to find I had receieved a letter from the University of New South Wales (where I studied from July-November) stating that I had been nominated as winner of "The Mitchell Mature Age Student Prize" by the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Which has left me both bemused and amused. I don't think there were many "Mature Age" students on undergrad courses in the faculty, so I'm not sure I can claim to have had much competition. But given that I studied for 6 months to not get a qualification, I suppose it's something. I've been invited to attend the drinks reception and award ceremony next month - I've no idea what it is I'm going to be given, but I feel I should go. I've only ever been given an academic prize once before (at uni I was allowed to wear a slightly less rubbish looking gown and given £60 a year off my college bills), and I have to say I feel rather pleased. It's been a tough couple of days at school, and have a busy weekend of work ahead, so it was a welcome boost to my Friday evening.


Last night I met up with Skye and Jamie from the UK in a bar in Erskineville (a lovely little suburb near Newtown), who are visiting Skye's friends and family. Skye is a friend of Sian (and Kate) who has lived in London for many years and I got to know during that time - she and Jamie married last year and they're out on holiday at the moment, so it was good to see some familiar faces from the UK.