I’ve picked where to sit, scanning the carriage for a spot with only one a-joining green seat. This way I can dump all my bags beside me, and bed in for the journey without any distractions. In a very introvert, British way I’m hoping to avoid the possibility of anyone else sitting next to me.

Platform 6A is dark, underground at Birmingham New Street. I wonder whether the other passengers know which direction is forward. The way they’re scattered across seats facing both directions doesn’t give me any clues. At 19:59 my train departs, running six minutes late. As we roll out of the station I discover I’m travelling backwards.

This is going to become a very familiar route from my home in Birmingham to London over the coming year, but it’ll be worth it. I’m living a long-time dream to complete the world renowned MA in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography at London College of Communication (#MAPJD). I’ve kept an interested eye on the course since 2008, and this year I finally bit the bullet and applied hoping my portfolio was strong enough. And here I am at last.

It’s been an uplifting start, carried by adrenaline for a week by the prospect of the year ahead. I’m studying alongside some extremely talented photographers, designers, filmakers, directors of photography and radio producers from across the globe. I can’t really believe I’m here. What a privilege.

I know it’s going to be a tough year, stepping way beyond my comfort zone. Facing my self-imposed fears head on. Challenging my creativity. Pushing my photography to its limits. It’s what I want. It’s what my photography needs. And it’s about time.

I don’t expect to become the perfect photographer, in fact, far from it. John, our tutor, has warned us that, from the start, even the most experienced photographers on the course will have their faults exposed through a rigorous programme of assignments. It’s refreshing. I can get things wrong. I will mess up. But each time I’ll learn from my mistakes. Already there’s no going back.

As a wise photographer once said; “If you think that you’ve taken the perfect picture then it’s time to put your camera down” (Anon).

I’m now exactly one hour in to my journey that also marks the start of a year’s worth of blogs. I’m pretty excited about writing, about sharing my journey, my stories and adventures. This place on my website has been pretty dormant until now. It’s time to wake things up. And a two-hour train journey twice a week gives me just the chance.

From now on I’m facing forward.