Confession of a Graduate

As I write this I’m sat with an excited feeling in my stomach (slightly nervous- also), and a new wardrobe especially. Last week was probably my luckiest yet, as I received my official degree results on Monday morning. I got a 2.2 and I couldn’t be more pleased. On that night before I received my a-level results I had the most confident feeling I wouldn’t have got into uni, I had had a shitty time towards the end of sixth form and I was convinced they wouldn’t be good enough. Fast forward 3 years and I celebrate with a second-class honour for Bachelor of Science- go me!  I think what I have learnt the most whilst others have achieved 2.1’s or even firsts’ is to celebrate whatever lane you’re in and to do your best for you, and you can land you some very special opportunities.

"Create the things you wish existed. "

Although, what if ‘entering adulthood’ jokes are much more than just a joke...

I've been thinking more and more about my next steps as I enter a brand-new job and officially stop mucking about and ‘enter adulthood’. It is daunting, and it is scary especially for somebody who gets overly anxious about the smallest of changes but there’s also a spark about me at the moment. It’s ALL about the glow up. I am also very grateful about the opportunities that have come my way and so excited about the future I am making for myself. I’m feeling so positive about the decisions I’ve made, especially over the past 6 months. I have the most supportive boyfriend to go with it all too. I’ve always been quite independent and been happy in my own thoughts and company, but he compliments my life so much, as I hope I compliment his. What a year 2018 is turning out to be, and I am feeling in my prime now July has provided us with possibly the nicest summer yet (despite showers being capped in my house to what feels like 30 seconds now the ‘hose ban’ is in place) and I get ready to turn 21.

I won’t beat around the bush, there’s a huge stretch of road for me yet, including needing to pass my driving test A$AP Rocky, and trust me, that’s unlikely. I can’t stay up until 2am watching Queer Eye anymore, but I do feel like I’ve finally got some routine and inspired about my own goals again especially now I’ve seen my work published all around Wiltshire in one of the most popular newspapers. No matter where you are in your life, it’s not too late or too early. There will always be opportunities, you just have to find them.

20 hasn’t actually been all it’s cracked up to be in the sense that I haven’t suddenly stopped having stroppy teenage moments, stopped having hormonal mood swings or started any true adulting apart from booking my own hair and doctor appointments. 20 was however a big year for change, I started the year at midnight in a Sheesha tent at Boardmasters with my friends awkwardly trying to not make eye contact with an ex that was sat behind us… (in all places…. Midnight, on my birthday, on a field…. In CORNWALL?!). But I loved my 20th, I enjoyed both uni and living at home when I moved only a few months ago.

I also developed my sense of character as I interviewed, barely had any money, left uni, home alone with massive spiders and then started my new job and made friends. I do think however, that it is also natural to lose friends and that it is healthy to shape the person you want to be by surrounding yourself with only positive, supportive and reliable pals. Reliable pals don’t always mean consistent however, I can go months without seeing my friends and know that they’ll always be there when I need them (and vice versa) and we can pick up where we left off. Besides the ‘friends schedule’ is a constant battle trying to find time between us all that slots with plans.

 My goals for turning 21 don’t differ too much to my goals at 20, apart from practical things such as earning more money, gaining my journalism qualifications and able to bloody drive without stalling 3-5 times on roundabouts. I do think that things will stay the same on the inside, I want to grow my relationship with Alex as always, I want to form stronger relationships with family each year of aging, and I want to listen to my heart over my head more. Until next time, when I’m older and probably no wiser.