Glasgow Code Learning

A couple of months back, I found out that Glasgow Clyde College offers free certification courses. This was actually on my 2025 to-do list, so the timing felt perfect. At that point, our visa status was still a bit unclear and job opportunities weren’t really in sight. So, I applied for the Glasgow Code Learning SCQF Level 5 course in Web Design. But the college got back to me saying I was eligible for the Level 7 Software Development course instead. It’s a 12-week program, and each student gets paired with a mentor from the industry. There might even be internship opportunities at the end. So, I enrolled for it.

Walking into the college on the very first day felt like a breath of fresh air. Young people everywhere, the whole place buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. I was nervous but also super excited. The classroom is set up like a computer lab, with each student having their own server to work on. I even got a loaner laptop for the duration of the course (more blog posts on the way). I made a couple of new friends - K and S. They’re both really sweet. One offered me her umbrella, the other her sunscreen. It honestly feels so good to have a girl gang again.

After months of staying at home with no real routine, my mind feels so much happier being engaged. The course itself isn’t too hard for me. I’m loving the social interaction and just the chance to get out of the house makes me jump for joy. The college is about 1.8 miles away, which is a bit of a stretch compared to my recent walks, but I am more than ready for the challenge. I’m also trying to figure out if my student card gets me any discounts (fingers crossed 🤞).

Oh, and I almost forgot the best part! The Glasgow Student Welfare Fund is awarding £150 to every student who completes the course! How amazing is that? Apparently, it was introduced this year. I am definitely God's favourite child.

Still yet moving ahead

I was on my regular evening walk. After a sudden stroke of humidity, the weather had calmed down. It was pleasantly sunny with gentle breezes playing along. I looked at the clear blue skies, the Victorian houses in the residential lanes, neatly kept gardens with blooming flowers. Waves of tranquility washed over me. It was an ordinary day but I felt blessed. 

Life has been hard in the past decade. My sister moved abroad, mom fell sick and passed away, I got married and divorced. COVID happened. Work became mundane. I quit my job, moved abroad and faced new challenges in unfamiliar territory. There were happier times too but the gloomy ones left a stronger impression on my soul. I became pessimistic and forlorn.

Earlier, I used to blog often and that helped me gain perspective of things. I was aware of what was going on and conscious of what needed to be done. These days, since I don't own a laptop, I stopped writing and in turn stopped contemplating too. But, in that blissful moment during my walk, I had a sort of enlightenment. 

I think my life has turned a corner. At times, I still cannot believe that am living in an English country that looks straight out of the pages of an Enid Blyton book. My investments are paying off and I have enough money to retire. I have settled in my new life and have a handle on most things. I now have friends here. Of course, there is always a chance for life to be better but do I really need more?

I know that I still don't have a purpose. Why am I so hard on myself though? What is the hurry? What is the need to be perfect all the time? It is ok to step back and relax for a bit. Spend time doing things I like. And in that one moment, the universe told me - it is alright to be still, indulge and savor every moment of life.