Thursday

Monthly Wrap-Up: June

It's been a while since I sat down to write a wrap-up of the month; possibly because it would have consisted of me only talking about the amount of revision I had. But, June saw the end of exams until the next school year, and the return of me requesting multiple review books within the first few days of  them finishing. I also won my first national writing-award this month - and interviewed a member of the Royal Family - something I still haven't recovered from.
 
 Last year, I wrote about my first visit to London, where I went to a competition final at the Royal Society. Sadly, I didn't take home the award, but decided to re-enter this year; spending the weeks after anxiously anticipating some news.  I was so shocked when it did come through that my hands were shaking - and I was screaming. I'd been chosen as a finalist in the Journalism Category for a second time, where last year we had infamously heckled Stephen Fry within moments of arriving in the city. After a five hour journey, I was desperate to win, especially since we had planned for it to take three.
 
Arriving two hours late, I was taken straight up into the Meeting Room, where an editorial meeting was taking place. I was told, then, that I was going to be interviewing Prince Andrew - the Duke of York - in twenty minutes, with my fellow-finalists. I didn't know what to say. The previous night I had managed around four and a half hours sleep and I was still yet to eat that day. All I could do was quickly scoff half a cereal bar, attempt to tidy myself up by tucking in my school polo shirt and frantically text everyone on my contact list; repeating my question constantly to make sure I wouldn't slip up. The camera was brought in, a huge microphone was hung over our heads and a crowd of people stood watching, telling us to keep smiling.
 
I was shocked that I managed to actually say my question. But, I didn't hear the answer. I kept nodding. I kept smiling. I kept reminding myself that this was a member of the Royal Family, one that I had seen on TV the week before, and I would never get to do something like this again.
 
Whilst trying to eat around the pickle in my sandwich during lunch - the bane of any vegetarian's existence - I decided to write about the future of healthcare for my final entry, as the awards are generally based on science and technology.  In the next hour and a half, I managed to: tackle TV presenter Dallas Campbell on a staircase and interview him, follow James May from Top Gear for five minutes(hoping he would turn around and talk to me) and upload my finished article. I also had to avoid Stephen Fry who had arrived.  By the time the awards ceremony came around, I was a nervous-wreck. I was so scared of losing. This only became worse as more results were announced, Journalism being one of the last, and I saw the silver card being opened. But, I WON! And it was the proudest moment. Somehow, I managed to make my way to the stage without falling like I thought I would and smile for a picture, before returning to my seat to find my teacher sobbing. Soon, I was too.
 
We bought twenty-four doughnuts to celebrate on the way home.
 
In June, I only managed to read two books and start another, which is extremely disappointing for me. I'm behind on my reading challenge, but hopefully I can catch up over summer!
  •  Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck - I simply loved this novel. It's had such a huge impact on how I feel towards classics, whether they're by a US or UK author, and definitely hit-hard with the strong themes included - such as racism and sexism. I wrote a whole post about my thoughts HERE.
  • Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell - There is quite a contrast between the two books I read this month, but I adored them both. Fangirl was such a heart-warming read, and one I found absolutely addicting. It was almost a perfect YA Contemporary.
  • Geek Girl: Picture Perfect by Holly Smale(STARTED) - I'm almost halfway through this one, and it's true to say that I've missed Harriet Manners!
I can't quite believe that the summer holidays are two weeks away, and then I start my final year of school...
 
What did you read in June?
 
Tell me in the comments!
Sophie
x

12 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh, congratulations on winning that prize! That's absolutely fantastic :D

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  2. Well done Sophie! That's a huge achievement.

    Sadly, I too am very behind in reading. I only read "The girl who played with fire" in June. In fact i still am reading it.

    Marian ^_^
    P.S. I've moved blogs to ivoryclouds.blogspot.ie

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    1. Thank you so much, Marian!

      I'm hoping to read a lot more over summer! Hope you're able to catch up as well!

      Just following your new blog...

      -Sophie :)

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  3. I'm also rather behind on my reading challenge - really hoping I can catch up! June seems like it was an AMAZING month for you! Congrats on winning such an awesome award! AND YOU INTERVIEWED A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL FAMILY?! WUT?! That's AMAZING!

    Ack, Fangirl looks SO good!

    Great post! :D

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    1. Thank goodness it's summer! I'm going to read as much as possible!

      Thanks so much, Rachel! It was such a surreal experience! Wish I could relive it, as in the pictures I look petrified!

      IT IS! Hope you can read it soon!

      -Sophie :)

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  4. WHATAATATTATATAATT YOU WOOOON [i mean i knew this from twitter but whatever] WHAT WAS THIS COMPETITION TELL ME DETAILS AND ALL THAT STUFF

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    1. YEESSSSSSS! I'm still a ball of excitement after it! Haha!

      Sent you a Twitter message - but you know that already!

      -Sophie :)

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  5. Oh my gosh, Sophie, this is just the sweetest story EVER! I was just rooting for you to win as I read that!! I'M VERY PROUD OF YOU! *hugs* I would have been sobbing too! CONGRATS!
    Rita xx

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    1. THANK YOU SO MUCH, RITA! *hands multiple doughnuts*

      Aw, I wanted it so badly! You've just put such a huge smile on my face!

      -Sophie :)

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  6. CONGRATULATIONS! That is such a huge achievement, I cannot believe it! Well done well done well done! I only read one book in June, Dune, which I discussed in my own June Round-up post .... -_-

    Congratulations again! :D

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    1. THANK YOU! I'm still in shock - I can't believe it either!

      Will check out the post!

      -Sophie :)

      Delete

Thank you so much for taking the time to read - and comment on - this blog post! I read and reply to every comment, so feel free to ask any questions and I'll answer!

See you soon!

Sophie Louise