I was halfway through my 120-hour course last Tuesday when I realized I hadn’t felt this engaged with learning in years. I did that academic bridging certificate back in 2020, mostly to prove I could finish something. Languages always mattered to me, so this felt like coming home. I finished last week and I’m proud of myself, honestly. But I’m less happy than I expected. The course was fine, just a bit lonely doing it all online. I thought I’d feel more excited.