Hello my lovelies! As you can guess from the title of this weeks post, I’ve had a busy week and exciting week. My week started off as usual, a busy week of work ahead, first up I hosted my first ever live stream for the non-profit I work for which was nerve wracking but exciting. Then this Thursday I had my ‘Celebration of Learning’ event for the college where I did my first part of my apprenticeship (I’m currently doing the next level up at the same place).
When the day came to go to my ‘Celebration of Learning’ and awards ceremony I had no clue what sort of thing to wear; which is funny, since I’ve actually got several posts on here all about fashion and outfit ideas! But you know how it is, you forget about what options for outfits you’ve already got when you’ve got an event coming up.
I figured smart casual is the best way to go, since I had no idea what everyone else would be wearing there. Maybe I’ll do a post on smart casual outfit soon, let me know if you want one in the comments!
So, I ended up going with my more Griffindor inspired look because it’s one that’s a good comfy and smart casual look that can be dressed up or down. To make it a little smarted than in the picture to the right, I swapped out the trainers for heeled boots with burgundy, red and white embroidery and swapped the cardigan for a smart coat.
Alright, so after I finally decided on my outfit, it was makeup time! I’m a little stuck in a rut with my makeup to be honest, but it works for me so I did my usual routine and I was lucky enough to be having an amazing hair day which is something you have to worry about if you’re a person who wears their natural hair texture out and about!
Here’s how my makeup and hair turned out (featuring Nikkietutorials in the background haha):
Let me know if you want to see my makeup routine sometime! Also, this was the first time I’ve worn my natural curls to an event!
After I was finally ready.. we left for the ceremony! Something I knew about the awards ceremony was that Warwick Davis was going to be there, presenting everyone scrolls and awards! And if you couldn’t tell already from my outfit, I’m a big Potterhead; so I was crazy excited!
So, one stop at McDonald’s for something small to eat and off we went to Peterborough Cathedral. Now, if you’ve never been to the Cathedral there, it’s absolutely beautiful, especially the painted ceiling, so definitely check it out if you’re ever in that area!
We made our way into the Cathedral, were taken to our seats and then at 7.30pm it began! It was amazing to see so many people together to celebrate how much they’ve achieved with all of their family and friends there to support them.
Here I am with my mum and Matt! (They coordinated by accident haha)
We all took turns going up to receive our scrolls in front of the 700 people that were there and had our photos taken with Warwick, and I’m not gonna lie, it was hard to keep it together meeting him, especially with so many people watching!
I’ll have professional photos to check out and put up soon of me getting my scroll; I’ve just gotta wait for them to be sent over from the photographer at college! So in the mean time, here I am on the little screen by our seats.
After everyone went up for their scrolls it was time for the awards to be announced. The first award to be announced was the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ awards. Now, I heard someone behind me say they were told beforehand that they were nominated for the award, so I just assumed that meant that I wasn’t in the running since I hadn’t heard anything and that was fine by me. After all, I got to meet Warwick, something I never thought I’d do, so I was already over the moon.
Then they started announcing the nominees. They announced three names, and then the last name gets announced, and its mine. I was just sat there like:
So I’m just sat there like, wait what?! I wasn’t told about this! And then they do the whole.. ‘And the Apprentice of the Year is…’
And they say Victoria Morton. Me! My name!
I’m not gonna lie, I wasn’t really paying much attention because I didn’t think I’d win, so it took a second for me to actually realise what was happening and get up to walk to the front to get my award.
I won’t lie, it’s still not really sunk in now! But here’s what the award looks like! The only award I’ve ever gotten other than blogging awards from the amazing blogging community is a most improved dance plaque from when I was about 10. And that’s a ‘most improved’ award.. aka I was the worst one there hahaha. My dancing career was very short lived. Which I think we can all say is a good thing.
Anyway, back to the awards! I was presented this really cool diamond shaped award and had another photo taken and then when I got back to my seat I was congratulated by my loved ones. And to think, we debated even going to the event! The part I loved the most about this was: number one – it was a complete surprise to myself and my loved ones, and number two – it reinforced in me that it’s perfectly fine to be an apprentice at 23 years old, and just because I’m older than typical apprentices does not mean I’m no good at my job. Oh, and that you should always be proud of your hard work.
Then the event ended and I was lucky enough to get another photo with Warwick and say a proper hello; since when you’re getting your scroll, you can’t really just stop and chat whilst hundreds of others are waiting for their turn.
For those wondering: Warwick was so lovely and genuine and was happy to take a photo with me just before being bombarded from children!
So whilst I wait for my other photos to arrive, here’s the photo I got!
And that’s what happened at the awards ceremony this week! It was a happy, shocking, exciting, stressful and fun day!
Friendly reminder:
Don’t ever doubt yourself based on where other people are in their lives. You’re right where you need to be and you’re doing amazing. Be proud of your achievements no matter how big or small, you’re incredible!
Well, that’s all from me today, have you ever felt like you’re behind or not where you’re supposed to be in life? It’s completely normal to feel like that, but remember, everyone’s journey is different and taking a different path in life is no better or worse than others.
Have you been to any events recently? What did you wear? Let me know in the comments!
Love,
The Weight Of My Worlds 