This is Rachel signing off...

There’s a Thing I’ve dreamed of doing for many years now. Something I said I would do one day, but there was always something getting in the way – I didn’t have enough money, I didn’t have enough work experience, it wasn’t the right time. Last year I decided that if it was going to happen, it needed to happen now. 

So this week is my last one here at UoB. On January 19^th, I fly to Tokyo to begin an 18 month journey through Asia, the Pacific and Australia, having given up my job, my home, and most of my possessions, and left behind many people dear to me. I’m going to dip my toes in turquoise seas, see volcanoes I’ve only ever read about, try meditating in silence for 12 days, write lots, and experience life as an expat in a country about as geographically far from home as you get. 

I’ve learnt much from my time here and from working with you, the students of UoB. Thank you.

I hope you enjoy your years here and take every opportunity which comes your way. I hope too that you succeed in whatever you want to do after graduation. Learn lots, question everything, and find out what makes you tick, even if it takes you years to work it out, and remember that very few decisions you can make are final. 

If you need help with anything, remember that the other librarians are still around to support you; just pop into Bedford Library or Luton LRC and ask.

Take care and be kind to yourselves and each other.

Signing off

Rachel