The first day of the course was actually ok, I got to meet a few of my fellow students and find out why they want to become social workers. It was also a bit daunting because there was a lot of information to sift through and process. Things that we will need to know at some point so should cling on to the information until we need it. When I saw the timetable of the first three days I was a bit sceptical; there were two sessions named 'Getting to Know You' and 'Getting to Know you Better'. I strongly dislike forced interaction with the added pressure of getting to know your neighbour. I've been in groups where you're judged on what your favourite pizza topping is or some nonsense like that. The thought process runs a bit like this; "I can't say Margarita because people will think I'm thoroughly dull, but if I say peperoni then what does that say about me? Too fiery? How about something really outlandish, chocolate and bacon (actually delicious on homemade pizza) but then people will just think I'm weird or trying too hard to be different". The last thing that I think about saying is my actual favourite. Who cares what my favourite pizza topping is! The other picture that is conjured up is the sickly scene from The King and I where all the children link arms and sing "Getting to know you... getting to like you, getting to hope you like me..." And that's what we do hope, that most people will like us, that we will pass muster. But the truth is that I won't 'pass muster' with everyone and that's fine as long as I respect them and they respect me.

Thankfully my worse fears were not realised and I did feel that we got to know each other a bit better in a meaningful way. Of course we will naturally gravitate towards certain people but I hope that in a few days time I will at least know everybody's name. We are a mixed bunch, students who have just graduated, parents, single people, married people etc from different backgrounds, religions and value systems. Which is a very good thing because we will be able to challenge each others prejudices and stereotypes helping each other to learn. The teachers and support staff are helpful. They kept saying that it will be a really tough year but if we have any questions or just want to cry then they will be there to support us. That's the privilege of coming into an established course where things are adapted and changed each year through student input groups. And that's to help us have an easier ride and also gives us an opportunity to feed back our own experiences. First impression: apprehensive but positive.