In a new weekly feature, recent Her.ie recruit Mary is sharing her journey through the very grown-up world of juggling a career with further education.

Looking back over her first semester and forward to a thesis, Mary is learning some lessons along the way about time management, the trials of being a born crammer, the importance of sharing the stressful moments... and the reason why "mature student" is probably an oxymoron.

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The Awkward Moment When You Turn Into A Walking Talking Sausage Roll

So Westport last weekend was amazing and definitely a good spot to visit if any of you fancy taking a break from the stress of college. We’re back to the grindstone this week and it’s coming to that end of term madness. Assignment after assignment is piling up and there’s a good few presentations to go yet before we are on the ‘home straight’ of exams. Can’t wait. I’m particularly sleepy this week so I’m finding the whole thing a little bit hard. Work, college, sleep, repeat. I feel like I should be in The Walking Dead as I look like death warmed up. My hair has gone crazy from lack of care, my skin looks like Mount Everest has set up camp on it and my body shape has transformed into a walking, talking sausage roll as my diet has gone from healthy-ish to sheer convenience. The craving for sugar is unbelievable and I could literally carry enough luggage for a family of four's two-week holiday in the bags under my eyes. And that’s me being nice to myself. I don’t think I will ever, ever be able to have a baby as I have proven this week that I actually do not function without sleep. As for that sun outside? A) It hurts my eyes and B) That’s just a cruel form of mockery. I’ve been scratching my head wondering what’s going to happen me mid-week when classes are over in less than a few weeks. People keep saying to me ‘Oh you won’t know yourself with all the free time you’ll have’ and ‘You must be counting the days until you’re free, what will you do with yourself?’ What will I do with myself you ask? Sleep. Endless hours of sleep. And I won’t even be sorry.