"Don't waste time on excuses. Just get it done."

I've become a bit of a serial tweeter recently, probably amassing over a grand of tweets in the last couple of months alone. Although a valuable tool for a prospective and aspiring journalist such as myself, I do think that, as of late, I have fallen victim to the David Cameron characterization of 'Too many tweets make a twat'.

Nevertheless, I was partaking in my routinely perusal of twitter, when I stumbled across an offering from P Diddy @iamdiddy  no less. He quoted Ralph Marston; "Don't Waste time on excuses. Just get it done." Normally I wouldn't afford this a second glance, however today it particularly resonated.

Around lunchtime I had learned that I had lost a mentor and a friend in Darren Connor.

Darren Connor

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Darren taught me in my first year of my degree at the University of Cumbria, upon our first meeting I was struck by his passion for the job. It is always refreshing to meet people that have a childlike enthusiasm and love for what they do, he was brilliant and it made for entertaining and popular lectures.

As my life at university continued, Darren was no longer a mentor in an official capacity. However, rather than fall off the radar, his encouragement and keen interest in what I was getting up to never wavered. I had intended to visit him this week, finishing my degree this year I wanted to thank him and say my goodbyes or rather 'see you laters'. 

That opportunity is lost, and I will never see, speak or tweet to Darren Connor again. He died taking part in a charity bike ride in aid of Children 1st in Lockerbie on Sunday. Now, the value of his encouragement and faith in my ability has never been more appreciated, which is sad. 

Embarking on the cut throat world of journalism, having somebody show an ounce of respect and interest in what you're doing is incredibly rewarding and valued. I have a great deal of admiration for Darren, not only as a tutor but as a friend. A complete dandy and fellow fan of paisley shirts and pointy shoes - it was obvious that we would get along. His love of The Smiths and Morrissey sealed the deal. 

So the blog, and why this is my first post. I'm most certainly at a crossroads in my life and I've been somewhat tentative about making the decisions and taking the actions which will dictate my immediate future.

Recent events have caused me to re-evaluate a lot of things... However hearing that Darren had passed away hit home. A Smiths' song title (How Soon Is Now?) seemed particularly apt for a blog that I had been meaning to start for some months.

Darren was a twitter veteran, a constant source of wry and witty retort. Perhaps fitting then, and somewhat poignant that a tweet lifted off the page and caught my eye, stopping my procrastination as I mindlessly scrolled through what people had for breakfast...

'Don't waste time on excuses. Just get it done.'

Not to be morbid, but as I finish university, get older and head into the great unknown of life after education, I'm increasingly aware of my own mortality. Life truly is short and is definitely not to be wasted.

Darren led by example - enthusiasm and enjoyment. No regrets and no missed opportunities. Throw yourself in and just get it done...