Anyone who’s followed this blog for a while will know I’ve been studying for a Master’s in Creative Writing for the past 2 years.
Well, it’s officially over. On Monday I got the result of my 15,000 words on Freedom of Speech. I knew all along my chosen subject was highly risky in the current climate, but I felt compelled to write about it.
Monday was tough – the result came in a day early – I didn’t get the high mark I was hoping for. I should say I was hoping against all odds.
I’m one of those annoying people who is academic, who gets the A* and the distinctions, etc…it’s embarrassing to admit and it’s rather sad but on Monday when I saw the mark I was awarded I wanted to cry. I DID actually cry later on in the day. People were congratulating me on having passed and I was thinking: Nat, you’re a failure.
I did try to put a brace face on it for the benefit of others: “I kept my integrity and that’s more important than a distinction” I told them. But oh, how I wanted that fucking distinction!
So I mourned all of Monday. I did think WHY didn’t you pick a subject that wasn’t controversial?
By Tuesday I was over it. I knew what I was doing when I chose free speech, I knew the risk – someone said when I told them what I would be writing about: “striking in the heart of academia, it’s bold, I like it” – I knew I wouldn’t end the masters on a high, grade-wise, but there was genuinely nothing I’d rather have written about than Freedom of Speech. So now the mourning is over, I can honestly say I have no regrets and that integrity IS indeed more important than a distinction.
I’ve been fighting for freedom of speech for so long, it has cost me friends, lots of followers on this blog, it has caused me untold grief already but I will never stop because it’s something I passionately believe in and the assault on free speech has been relentless in the last couple of years.
But, anyway, I have a Master’s now – I guess that makes me a writer. An opinionated, controversial type apparently, but I wouldn’t have it any other fucking way.
Oh, And I’m in a selfie mood today –
Congratulations
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Thank you!
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Congrats!
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Thanks so much!
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Congratulations.
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Merci beaucoup 😊
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Congratulations. Your writing makes you a writer, not a degree. Grades are subjective regardless of what anyone says. Speak your mind.
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Oh, I know. I was being sarcastic when I said I guess it makes me a writer – I’m well aware diplomas are just that. I don’t believe I’m a writer because of the Master’s or because I’m a qualified journalist – I’m a writer because I’ve been writing pretty much since I could hold a pen. And yeah, grades are subjective especially when it comes to writing. My tutor last year loved my stuff and I finished the year with a distinction, this year I had a tutor who wasn’t a fan at all of my writing even though I felt I was writing better than the year before…and she graded accordingly…what can you do – that’s the way it goes.
Sweet lord, I’ve just gone on and on, sorry! And thank you! 😁
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The relativism in institutions that claim a certain amount of objectivity is fascinating. You could go on and on and it would be fine with me. : )
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Congratulations, I’ve just started following you because I like your relaxed style of writing and I’m often fired up by controversial subjects. So kick a stink up !
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Haha! Okay – thanks for following, I’ll try not to disappoint 😉
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The Only failure is in Not trying, you are being hard on yourself.
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I’m always hard on myself, I’m a perfectionist 😉
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Congrats. Forget the grades that is subjective. Hey, great photos too
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Thank you, and thank you 😉
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I admire a girl who suffers for her art, and even more so if they’re good looking! As you are! Well dont Nathalie, you’re a star! ✨ ❤
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* well done, I meant! Xx
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I got ya! 😉 💜
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Haha. Thanks so much, I shall keep on suffering for my art 😂
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😀 ❤
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.The thing is if you feel you’re a writer deep inside then you are, hands down…. jc
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I totally agree with you!
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On est souvent déçu quand on est exigeant avec soi-même.
Ce n’est pas de l’égoïsme, ni un défaut, mais plutôt une qualité difficile à vivre.
Félicitation pour le diplôme, pour cette qualité et aussi pour ces beaux selfies que j’aime toujours autant regarder.
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C’est bien vrai, il n’y a pas de pire critique que soi même. Merci beaucoup pour une très gentille réponse – je finis ma soirée avec un sourire.
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Congrats!
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Thank you! 😁
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You should consider posting it here, Natalie… bet you’d see a few accolades. The speech issue within academia is alarming and crazy… I simply cannot believe how regressive things have become since my university days. If I went now, I’d likely be expelled in one semester. 🙂 Congrats!
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That’s it, isn’t it? It’s regressive and very wrong – how are students meant to learn anything with this constant fear to be offended, the need for ‘safe spaces’ and so on. I’m going to stop right here because I don’t want to start ranting on about it 😉
As for posting it on here, I’ve vaguely thought about it but it is 15,000 words so it would take some planning – many different posts would be needed!
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you could consider putting it in something like google docs, and then post a link to within an introductory wordpress post? anyway, yes, good always to know someone else finds all this speech conformity offensive. 🙂
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Oh, we are definitely on the same side when it comes to this 😉
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It’s a joy and an honour to know you.
Congratulations!
PS… A+ Selfies.
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Awww – you’re such a sweetheart! Right back at you 💜
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Writing is all about challenging yourself. Well done. Looking good btw.
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Writing is about many things and challenging yourself definitely comes into it. Thank you! For the congratulations and the lovely compliment 😊
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Exactly. Long term your attitude wins out. And the other bit goes without saying!
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Congratulations!
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Thank you ever so much 🙂
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You’re very welcome. 🙂
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Congratulations 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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Well done….
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Thank you!
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Congrats, Nathalie. You passed, you wrote with heart about something you feel passionate about. Sound perfect to me. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Diana 💜
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Congratulations! I love the kicks and your phone case. Hope all is well.
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It’s all good – thank you!
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Proud of you Nat. You’ve made it through to the other side. 💜
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Thank you, my lovely knight 💜
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The only result that matters is how well YOU believe you did. If you know you put in your best work (on the particular topic/theme) then you succeeded with Distinction. 🙂
Universities reward most those people who think the way those who examine think, not those individuals who can think differently.
Vive la difFrance!! 😉
J’Adore, je salue! 🙂 💖
So now who’s the Master?? 😉
(Your Selfie’s are Kickin’ btw.) 🙂
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Well, that’s the thing: I was actually pleased with my work hence why the grading stung quite a bit.
I think we should get Vive la difFrance trending – haha!
Thank you – for everything 😁
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Where should we post it?? – I vote we include your selfies to enhance the chances of it taking off. 😉
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Haha!! Wouldn’t that be a bit…Er…cheap? 🤔
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Cheap? CHEAP?? Why I’ll have not a word of it, my Dear…
.. they are Priceless! Above any cost! (and you know they would sent the ‘likes’ sky-high! 😉 )
You gotta give the public what they want. 🙂
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So basically I have to use my body to get people to look at what’s inside my head? I am shocked I tell you, SHOCKED! 😂
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It’s all about the ‘book-cover’ art today I’m afraid.
Gone are the days when you could rely on intelligence alone for ratings!
Unless you’re (the Ex) Stephen Hawking! 😉
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Isn’t that a depressing if true thought…
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Congratulations! I love the fact that you chose not to play the game – that you wrote about something you believe in. There’s a certain glee in knowing that some of the faculty involved would have had to grudgingly pass you, while silently seething 🙂
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Haha! I think that’s most probably what happened: we have to pass her but…if only we didn’t have to. They called my work “polemical” among other things…
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To risk an important part of who you are for such a worthy subject as freedom of speech in an era of lies, and condemnation.of values, ethics, integrity, and morals is the mark of someone with the warrior etnos. To take on the political correctness that serves only to destroy freedom of speech is a brave thing to do, but not without consequences. To bear those consequences with dignity and grace is the hallmark of what makes the human soul Devine. By the way, you are beautiful to the bone and back out again. That’s an old saying we have in the southern colonies to tell some one of our respect and admiration. Fight on. Be loud and proud. And congratulations.
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Oh, thank you SO MUCH for this! This is actually one of the reasons I stuck with my risky subject, because I felt I was writing on behalf of lots of people who feel the same as me, people who are being demonised for having an opinion, people who don’t dare speak their minds because the PC culture is censoring them. Consequences be damned, the truth has to be spoken.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
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Sending you thanks and big ole cyber hugs 🤗. Eternity remembers those that stood for the rights of others, while only graves remember those that would idly watch the death of truth and justice which cannot exist in societies that don’t support free speech and the rights of all citizens. It is not a singular event but a continuous struggle. Be yrue to yourself amd your convictions. There may be many tears but your mirror will always reflect a brave and artistic soul.
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I’m printing this reply and sticking it to my wall 😁
And cyber hugs right back at ya😊
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I’m glad you were able to decipher my message with all the errors. My fingers were never made for these tiny phone keyboards. I’m honored and deeply appreciate that you truly understand the fight and sacrifice to hold true to one of humanities fundamental rights. Free speech is how we evolve to a better existence. The noble rise above mediocrity starts with conversation freely expressed. I will always want to hear what you have to say. Another hug 🤗 with respect.
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“. The noble rise above mediocrity starts with conversation freely expressed.” Agreed 100%
Without freedom of speech a man simply isn’t free – it’s that simple and yet we are now having to fight for something we thought we secured long ago (in the western world) – it’s madness. Thanks again for your thoughtful replies – they are much appreciated 💜
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Words to live by! We are united in our convictions.
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💜
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… Which reminds me ( ‘cos I’m a Curious Soul)…
Just what tracks are on that cassette anyway?? 😉
Nightie Nat, Night.
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Haha! Funny guy 😁 most probably would be 80’s music though – I’m obsessed.
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😉 – I have my moments! 🙂
80’s Huh? The decade of bad hair! ;-)..and some good bands/artists too.
Mine would span the late 70’s early 80’s
Call me Disco Stu! 😉
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Early 80’s were good but I’d go with the whole decade!
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I mean: ” Nighty-night, Nat!!”
(What WAS i thinking??) 😉
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What WERE you thinking?? 😂
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😀 😀 😀
Naughty things!
(‘Intense’ ‘passionate’ things! – i have a good memory) 😉
Naughty but Nice! (work that one out Santa?)
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That reminds me of a joke: know why Santa is so jolly? Because he knows where all the bad girls live…haha, sorry couldn’t help it!
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I love jokes… Nothing to apologise for! 🙂
Next time i see him i’ll have to ask him for your address! 😉
(of course, i may need to borrow his sleigh and a couple of reindeer as well?)
Why doesn’t Santa allow smoking in his workshop?
It’s an elf-azard! 😀
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Haha your joke was as bad as mine 😂
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Congratulations, Nathalie. Your courage and determination reflects what higher education used to represent. Now, it’s mostly a place of groupthink conformity. And , as always, I adore your photos😍😘
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Thank you, Rob. I stuck it to the man… 😂
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Congratulations on achieving your Masters. And I deeply respect your decision to stick to your guns, that’s integrity.
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Thank you very much – respect and integrity…what more can one wish for? 🙂
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Congratulations on earning your Masters degree! I know you didn’t get the marks you were hoping for, but you’ve still accomplished a lot. The most important thing is that you stuck to the topic you were most passionate about.
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It’s all true, I wrote about what I was passionate about and what I believe *needed* to be written about – it’s all good. Thank you.
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You go girl! Taking academic risks makes us more knowledgeable, especially when you’re passionate about the field and topic. 😃
My Life As A Rockstar
breezerocks.blog
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Thanks so much! And yeah, I agree – what’s the point of going down safe and boring paths? 😉
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Good for you, there’s so much nonsense around and it is refreshing to have someone with integrity holding others to account. I salute you.
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Thank you! I did my best – I stayed true to myself. What more can any of us do?
Thanks again, my friend – I really appreciate your comments (but you already know that!)
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I like to hear it though, does wonders for my ego!
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Congratulations on getting your degree! I write, but I’m nothing special. I look forward to reading your work.
Don’t become down about your score. Sometimes, it really is just the instructor. We can’t do anything about their opinions, but we can continue with people who want to help and see us rise.
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A selfie mood is good. For us. 🙂 And for you: love yourself.
Grades don’t really matter, do they? Freedom of speech is under so much attack these days, it’s good
someone stands up for it.
(I’m reading terrifying accounts of a Graduate student at Columbia in Le Point…)
Congrats on the Master’s though, it’s all that counts.
And I do hope we will read at least some extracts of your 15,000 words.
Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année. (Je pars en Colombie Dimanche et je ne blogue pas bcp en voyage…)
Biz.
🙂
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Well, grades do matter but then they don’t really – as ‘they’ like to say: it’s complicated 🙂
I’ll think of putting some of it on the blog at some point. But thank you, it’s all over and I did my best. I also stood up for something I believe in – it’s all good 🙂
Bonnes fêtes en effet, et bon voyage aussi 🙂 biz
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I think you are right on all counts. Doing your best is the ultimate goal. And to do a masters now is quite a challenge. Well done.bonne annee et tout ca. Biz
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Well, I’ve done it now in any case 😁
Oui, bonne année et tout ça (quoi, ça? 😂)
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congrats… surely you are a writer
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Congrats on achieving your masters – what a great accomplishment!!
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Thank you so much 🙂
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You should write whatever you want to write! That is the whole purpose of writing in the first place. 🙂 And also congratulations! Exciting times ahead for you.
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Good for you! Congratulations on getting your Masters,s but also on standing up for something you believe in, no matter the consequences.
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Thank you very much, I do think I’ve done the right thing 🙂
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I love everything about this post and I find you inspiring as hell! Keep speaking your mind, it’s the best way to live.
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Thank you! I’m so pleased you took something from this post, and I agree: a life lived without being able to express yourself is not a life worth living.
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