My name is Dylan and I like anything tech-related, ironically I work in tech as an Integration Specialist. I recently graduated with a First Class Honours degree from the University of Sunderland. You can usually find me reading a book, playing a game or endlessley scrolling TikTok :D

  • Book Review,  Fiction

    Ian McEwan: The Children Act | A Review

    Delve into the poignant narrative of "The Children Act" by Ian McEwan, where High Court judge Fiona Maye confronts a profound ethical quandary. Amid a teenager's fervent refusal of a life-saving blood transfusion, Fiona grapples with the intricate interplay of law, morality, and personal conviction. McEwan skillfully intertwines Fiona's professional challenges with her tumultuous personal life, adding layers of complexity to an already weighty decision. As the story unfolds, themes of faith, love, and sacrifice resonate deeply, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the enduring power of conscience. Prepare to be captivated by this compelling tale of moral ambiguity and emotional resonance.

  • University

    12 helpful tips for writing a killer personal statement

    So you’ve narrowed down your choices, decided what course you want to go for and are ready to apply. There’s only one thing standing in your way now: your personal statement. In this article, you can find 12 helpful tips for writing a killer personal statement. The application process may be different depending on how you apply to your chosen university. For example, I applied directly to the university through UCAS; however, if you’re applying when you’re already in education, there’s a different method. Click here to read about the whole process, including what you need to include. Remember you are limited to 4000 characters or 47 lines of text (including spaces).…

  • University

    Is the first week of University important?

    So, uni is just around the corner, and you want to know what’s what? This article poses a question that’s probably on every student’s mind before starting uni. Is the first week of University important? You can also find out exactly what to expect in your first week. From welcome lectures to partying hard, this is a real example from a genuine past student (me) who ended up with a First Class Honours degree 😁 Before reading this post, it might be a good idea to check out ’10 things you may not know about university‘. Well then, is it? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. For some,…

  • University

    10 things you may not know about University

    Think you know everything there is to know? Here are 10 things you may not know about University. I’m sure each University is different, but I’m sure many of them share the same characteristics. You may be wondering what qualifies me to give this information/advice. I’m not saying I’m an expert, but I did end up with a First Class Honours degree, so it must be at least worth a read, right? Number 1: Anal about citations Every University seems to have its own take on how your academic work should be referenced. The most likely referencing technique you’ll use is Harvard depending on your course. When citing this method, lecturers can…

  • Personal,  Self-Improvement

    How to get rid of Imposter Syndrome

    So, what exactly is Imposter Syndrome? Have you ever had that feeling of being inadequate in a professional or even personal setting? Such as a time when you know you have vast knowledge in a subject area, but keep the experience to yourself, because you think ‘who am I to say this’. That’s Imposter Syndrome. This article aims to take you through some steps to get rid of Imposter Syndrome. It’s an extreme feeling of self-doubt despite your successes. Even if you have accomplishments or proof of success, you still feel like a fraud, and that can be difficult but not impossible to overcome. One simple and straightforward way to…

  • Personal,  Self-Improvement

    How positive affirmation can banish self-doubt

    So, how can positive affirmation banish self-doubt? There are many ways to answer this question, and it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. However, the best place to start is by defining affirmation. Definition affirmation/afəˈmeɪʃ(ə)n/ noun I know this might sound cheesy. Your first thought may be, ‘What complete bollocks’, but hear me out. The idea of Happy Distraction is to distract your mind from the everyday grind (also super cheesy, I know). So do me a favour, read this, and try it; it might work wonders for you! If it doesn’t, then it doesn’t. How can I use it? I must admit that I find personal affirmation a…

  • Book Review

    The Miracle Morning | A Review

    Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning introduces transformative practices for personal development. The book reveals Elrod’s journey from a near-fatal accident to becoming a successful author and motivational speaker. His "Life S.A.V.E.R.S." routine (Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing) offers a simple yet powerful way to start your day. While some might find parts of it preachy, especially regarding religion, the core message is universal: adopting these habits can help you overcome barriers and achieve your goals. Whether you're skeptical of self-help books or an avid reader, there's something valuable for everyone in this book.

  • Movie Review,  Uninformed

    Windfall – Movie Review

    In my review of "Windfall," I reluctantly dive into a narrative void of substance or intrigue. Initially intrigued by its premise, I soon found myself lamenting the wasted time. The film follows a chaotic sequence of events as a mysterious burglar and unwitting victims collide in a tale devoid of character depth or meaningful plot development. Despite flashes of potential, the storyline falls flat, leaving viewers grasping for substance amidst a sea of mediocrity. Disappointingly lacking in coherence or purpose, "Windfall" earns a dismal rating for its failure to deliver a compelling cinematic experience.

  • Personal

    Why I didn’t get a promotion – A story

    As discussed in Episode #2 of the podcast (you can listen to that here), I wanted to share a story about when I applied for a promotion but got rejected. We’ll take a look into why I didn’t get promoted and how that made me feel. You may be wondering why I’m choosing to share this. Is it because I’m sore and can’t let it go? I mean, probably a little bit, but it’s more to show you that you can often be the best candidate in the world, but sometimes your face doesn’t fit. This happens all too often. It sucks, but there’s a lesson to be learned, and…

  • Book Review

    The Unfair Advantage | A Review

    Discover the secrets to startup success with my review of 'The Unfair Advantage' by Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba. This insightful book explores how personal strengths, often overlooked, can be leveraged to achieve business success. Learn about the MILES framework and real-life success stories that highlight the power of unique, unfair advantages.