Written by Dipti Mahabal
I still remember the 1st time I decided to write a blog. I was nervous but excited too! Blogging was very new for me but knowing I could contribute to Charles Sturt blog page’ Charlie’ was itself, very motivating.
Till now my mind was set to the subject outline guidelines of submitting an assignment. Using academic language, researching professional literature, making sure the word count was within the limit, following the referencing guidelines and the rubric.
On the other side, writing a blog was going to be very different. It could be sitting and writing, enjoying the view of mother nature or at your study desk or at a café with your favourite cuppa. It is an informal way of expressing your knowledge, passion, experience, or a journey.
I love to write and this was a fantastic opportunity to share my side of story. And that is where my 1st blog as a studying mum got published. It gave me the confidence to write more.
If we think for a moment, some of our assessments do require reflective writing. Writing a blog was very much a reflection of your own journey or passion and sharing your feelings and thoughts in simple language with the readers. It was a creative way of expression and it made a huge positive impact on my mental health and well-being. I not only enjoyed writing but also reading other students’ blogs. They all were so unique and different as they had a story to share that was real and original. I thoroughly enjoyed reading other blogs as it gave me a different perspective to life and generated new ideas about writing a new blog!
A sweet reward I did not know was you get paid for it, which was a bonus! So blogging is a kind of assessment that has a due date, but extension may be granted 😊There is a word count limit (300-500 words) and requires your own piece of work (original, so no plagiarism) and pictures clicked by you to avoid copyright infringement.
The most exciting bit is when you hear from the ‘Charlie’ editor of your post being approved and confirms the date of your blog going LIVE! This is one of the most exciting feelings. To see your blog LIVE with all other blogs is just a great feeling. On the FB page ‘Charlie Contributors’ you also get to see the amazing Charlie achievements for the top performing blogs each month.
Blogging has been very inspiring for me. I had never written a blog before. The amazing Charlie team and Charlie Editor, Tianna supported and encouraged me with their kind words. So, if you are thinking of writing a blog and contributing to ‘Charlie’ and are a bit unsure, then do give it a try. It is worth it!
Click here to learn more!
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative
