In the famous words of Looney Tunes, “That's all, folks.”
13 months, or 417 days to be exact. I've now completed my production apprenticeship at BBC Radio Suffolk, and I don't think it's quite sunk in how quickly that time has gone by.
It's actually quite emotional looking back and realising how much has changed. I can still remember walking through the doors of the BBC for the first time, fresh-faced, incredibly nervous and even more excited. I was starting a completely new career in my thirties, having spent years working in an entirely different industry. I knew I loved radio, but actually making it? I had an awful lot to learn.
And what a 417 days it's been.
I've gone from sitting in a newsroom trying to work out what everyone was talking about to researching stories, writing scripts, finding contributors, editing audio and helping to produce live programmes. I've learned just how much work goes into making radio, from the initial idea to the moment it goes out on air, and how quickly even the best-laid plans can change.
Backstage at Latitude with Professor Green, who performed a secret set, and Native James, winner of the AIM Independent Music Awards' One to Watch award.
I've created and produced my own five-part series, worked backstage at Latitude and even visited the iconic Maida Vale Studios. I've found myself in rooms I never imagined I'd be invited into, met people whose voices I've listened to for years and had opportunities I wouldn't have dared to dream about when I first started.
Somewhere along the way, I also won Best Radio Presenter at the Ones To Watch awards and completed my apprenticeship with a Distinction. Even writing that feels a bit surreal. There are moments when I look back and think, bloody hell, did I really do all that?
With Blue at BBC Radio 2's Piano Room at the iconic Maida Vale Studios - one of those pinch-me moments.
But some of the biggest things I've learned over these 417 days have had very little to do with broadcasting. I've learned to trust myself, speak up when I have an idea and stop assuming that everyone else knows exactly what they're doing. I've learned that making mistakes is part of learning and that confidence doesn't happen overnight. I've had days when I've felt completely in my element and others when I've wondered whether I'm actually any good at this. Sometimes both before lunchtime.
And that's what makes being an apprentice so special. Something I don't think I fully appreciated until I was coming to the end of it.
You're allowed to not know.
You're allowed to say, “I've never done that before,” without feeling embarrassed or judged. You're given the space to ask questions, make mistakes and learn from people who genuinely want you to succeed. And what an incredible privilege that is, especially when you're in your thirties and feel like you should probably have everything figured out by now.
Of course, I'll remember the big moments, but it's the little things I'll miss just as much. Walking into the newsroom, hearing the familiar voices coming out of the studios, the laughter, the conversations and the occasional chaos. Even wearing my BBC lanyard around my neck and quietly thinking, I actually work here.
But more than anything, I'll miss the people. The ones who answered my endless questions, encouraged my ideas, shared their knowledge and believed in me when I didn't always believe in myself. I don't think they'll ever quite realise how much of a difference they've made.
So, what happens next?
That's a very good question, and one I've been asking myself quite a lot lately.
The exciting news is that I'm not quite finished with the BBC just yet. I've secured my first freelance Assistant Producer shifts with BBC Radio 2, working on the live coverage of Owain's 4 Nations Cycle Challenge for Children in Need. I'll also continue presenting The Guest List on Hot Dance Radio Ibiza, interviewing DJs, discovering music and doing what I love most.
But beyond that? I'm still figuring it out.
I don't have a five-year plan and I couldn't tell you with any certainty what my life will look like in a few months. And, if I'm completely honest, that's quite scary.
But I'm also keeping an open mind. One of the things I've loved most about this apprenticeship is discovering parts of the industry I didn't even know existed, and I'm still working out where I fit into all of that.
The funny thing is, I'm finishing these 417 days feeling much the same as I did when I started. Excited, nervous, full of ideas and not entirely sure what I'm doing. The difference is that I've now got a little more experience, a little more confidence and some wonderful people in my corner.
Perhaps that's the biggest lesson of all. You don't have to know exactly where you're going to make a start. Sometimes you just have to give something a go and see what happens.
There's a quote from Doctor Who that feels particularly fitting right now:
“Everything ends and it’s always sad, but everything begins again, too. And that’s always happy. Be happy.”
So, that's all, folks. At least, for this chapter.
Here's to the next 417 days.
