成人论坛

Getting off the couch

"A few years ago my tadcu said the words, 'get off the couch and live a life.' So in September 2003 I came to the University of Wales Lampeter to start a degree in film studies.

My first year is a bit of blur now, as I cannot remember most of it because of the amount of alcohol I consumed.

Only joking, my degree had its up and its downs, but for me the filmmaking part was the best. Don't get me wrong I am not pretending to be the Steven Spielberg of Lampywood, but I did enjoy making films and having a laugh while doing it. Uni life has left me with a different way of looking at things and I made lifelong friends - four of whom I still live with. That's right! I still live in Llanbedr Pont Steffan, not a student anymore but working as a lifeguard and gaining more experience for filmmaking.

Ok hold on there! I still lead a student life but without the essays and the work that goes along with it. I still play rugby for the Uni rugby side, DJ in the Students' Union and spend a lot of time in and around the old haunts. I could go on and on... but I think you get the gist of it.

My tadcu always questions what I am doing up here. The answer is tadcu, I am following your advice and living a life... A very good one at that."

Please tell us a little about yourself.
I'm 21 years old and live in Lampeter. I am originally from Bridgend, but for the last three years I have attended the University of Wales Lampeter. Last summer I graduated with a degree in film studies. I am now living in Lampeter and am the third generation of my family to do a digital story.

What's your story about?
Having studied in Lampeter I chose to continue living up the student life whilst also working as a lifeguard. My story gives an insight to my life over the last three years up until now.
I had a piece of advice from my tadcu a couple of years ago and acted on that advice which has resulted in the life that I now lead.

What did you find most rewarding about the workshop?
I found the screening at the end of the workshop to be the most rewarding because it brought all my work and thoughts together I one fairly short and effective digital story.

Your comments

"I thought this story was enjoyable and uplifting as it gave a positive perspective on life as a young person who has just finished university; and i like the way that Ian's grandad gave him advice and he has never forgotten it - and more importantly has actually acted on it. I like that Ian is happy doing what he wants to do at the moment; he knows what living his life means to him. This story made me think of my own situation; i am nearly at the end of my university course and feeling a little sad and wondering where to go from here. But it made me realise that just because i will finish uni doesn't mean i cant still enjoy and have fun! :-) If that makes sense!! lol " Rhian from Caerphilly