A week today I will turn 19 and whilst sit here waiting for my washing to finish, I am wondering where the year went. What happened to turning 18 and going out clubbing for the first time? My birthday present being my first tattoo? And what about my A2 History lesson on my birthday, driving me insane? Let’s not forget the fact I was in my home town, surrounded by my family and friends, celebrating what I thought was a whole new me. The reality is: nothing truly changes you like University and moving away from everything you ever really knew. This year went by so fast because I worked extremely hard to be where I am now. Not only am I continuing to work, but I am learning to be independent. So, for my birthday this year, I’ll be celebrating with a whole different family that I never thought could mean so much to me. My 19th birthday really will signify and celebrate a whole new chapter of me.
So in light this blogs tradition, I will do 19 things I’ve learnt this year!
I am really not ready to be turning 19. Though I may feel like I’ve gained some independence and deserve an award like turning a year older, I really just wish I could be 18 forever. This year has given me a lot of great memories, some heart-breaking goodbyes, some beautiful hello’s and life lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. So, wish me luck with the next chapter of my life. The 19th year of my life will commence next week, which means a whole new year of understanding me.
Go nuts guys!
P.S Just so you know, I went to get my laundry and I opened the machine which was still full of water. Guess I still have a bit of learning left to go...
So in light this blogs tradition, I will do 19 things I’ve learnt this year!
- Start early: Earlier this year I had to start revising for my A2 levels. Bearing in mind these were my most important exams up to date, I didn’t start revising until very late. I got into my first choice University, but I was very lucky. START EARLY, then you won’t have to sweat all your work last minute
- Speak up: I took 4 A2 Levels this year and it was so extremely stressful. It brought me to tears almost every day and it wasn’t until I had almost finished all my courses that I decided to speak up about it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, just because you’re legally an adult, it doesn’t mean your invincible.
- Be healthy: During exams or stressful periods in your life, it’s important to stay healthy by regularly exercising and just eating some fruit – all that good shit. Easier said than done, but you’ll thank me later.
- Make the most of night’s out: Sometimes I used to go on night’s out and think ‘this is so utterly shit’, but it was on these nights out that I made some absolutely amazing memories. Remember that it won’t be so easy to go out all the time with these people, so make it worth it.
- ...But don’t go out all the time: Saying that don’t go out ALL the time. I remember my group of friends discussing how many weeks before exams we had to stop partying – it’s good to give your liver a holiday once in a while!
- Try new things: Trying new things is one of the greatest things about growing up. We are learning about the world and how to be the best version of us that we can be. So make sure you take these opportunities and go fucking crazy.
- Lads holiday: If you do have the opportunity and the money to do it, make sure you go on holiday with all your friends from school at some point. It was the greatest week of my short life and the memories made there will stay with me for the rest of my life!
- Don’t worry about too much about the future: I wouldn’t even think about tomorrow if I were you. Things will fall together somehow. There is no time to be this sad.
- Relationships: I have always believed that what is meant to be will be. When growing up, especially around my age, people will fall apart just to fall back together; or the latter. These are both the most heart-breaking and heart pumping moments in your life. Cherish the time and don’t ever forget. Unless they are a twat.
- Rumours: Before I left for University and actually a little bit into the start of the academic year, there were a few horrific rumours about me. I thought moving away would be the best fresh start – and in some ways it was, as no one here calls me those viscous names or accuses me of things I didn’t do. Remember that if you have a rumour about you, one day it will go away. It used to be such a huge part of my life, it’d break me a little every day. But you’ll come out of it stronger. And word of advice – don’t spread rumours either. Your parents didn’t bring you up to be a little bitch.
- University: Nothing can truly prepare you for University. It’s a whole new world, a whole new chapter and you’re going to enjoy every fucking second. I remember when I was a little girl and thinking about University, so hard to believe I am actually here
- Old friendships: There is nothing more important than keeping in touch with friends from your hometown. These people helped define you ‘back in the day’ and will always have a special place in your heart. I went to visit my best friend the other day and it was so nice to reminisce and remember who I was and the days where you didn’t have the stresses you do now. Plus, I love these dick heads. #SnakePit
- New friendships: I didn’t think I could love my new friends as much as I do. They are crazy, annoying, beautiful, hilarious and they will definitely be people that I am going to care about for the rest of my life. Meeting new people can be hard, but just be yourself and let them be a part of you in order to learn the best parts of yourself.
- Finances: I have said this on every birthday, I need to learn to be responsible with money. When I had my loan I was thinking ‘I am still a baby I can’t handle this amount of money.’ But once you realize you need money to keep yourself alive, I think saving money becomes natural. So hang in there, big spenders.
- Crushes: Okay, so what if they don’t message you back? So what if you catch them kissing someone else and send them a text saying, ‘ouch’ even though they don’t really know you. This is all a part of growing up. Go wild and crazy because you really don’t have time to be wondering who they like or if they are going to be at the club event tonight. There is something painfully beautiful about being straight-forward with these things.
- Family: I miss my family so much and my birthday is the first time I am going to see them all properly for a while! Always keep in touch and let them know you love them. My family is pretty crazy and small…but I wouldn’t trade them in for anything.
- Work hard: Don’t ever stop working hard. Don’t ever stop striving to achieve want you want from life. Make sure you do something every single day that is going to get you to where you want to be.
- Take pictures: You can never take too many pictures. Snap every single thing because looking back on memories is a lot better and funnier when you can see them! Your mate has pissed himself? Photo. Gone to A&E because you smashed your head spinning on a chair whilst drunk? Photo. Visiting a friend? Photo. Photo. Photo.
- Enjoy every single fucking second: This year went by so fast, I wouldn’t change a single moment a part from being able to live it all over again. Life is so, so short so please don’t take anything for granted.
I am really not ready to be turning 19. Though I may feel like I’ve gained some independence and deserve an award like turning a year older, I really just wish I could be 18 forever. This year has given me a lot of great memories, some heart-breaking goodbyes, some beautiful hello’s and life lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. So, wish me luck with the next chapter of my life. The 19th year of my life will commence next week, which means a whole new year of understanding me.
Go nuts guys!
P.S Just so you know, I went to get my laundry and I opened the machine which was still full of water. Guess I still have a bit of learning left to go...