At this time of the year, it's nice to reflect over the last 365 days and to think about some of the highlights (and lowlights) of the year, especially when it comes to making new resolutions. Personally, this year has been one of the best in terms of achievements and growth, but there have also been some down times too, the most standout one being having to let go of someone that I really cared about early on this year. But I guess you have to take the good with the bad, and just learn to get on with your life.
So, now for the summaries. This year, I:
Graduated from the University of Cambridge with a BA and MSci woopwoop! This is one of my proudest achievements, because for the first three years of my degree, I really struggled to balance my work and play. My life was ruled by drama. My night would be my day, everything was turned topsy-turvy upside down. I scraped by with meagre grades and lost all confidence in myself because I was struggling so much, always behind, never really understanding anything that I was supposed to have learnt. But then this year, thanks to surrounding myself with a more positive environment, and thanks to some very special people who believed in me, I managed to turn it all around and make both my family and myself proud. There's one person in particular I have to thank, without him as a role model, I don't think I could've pulled myself together~ <3
Following on from that, I accepted a PhD offer at UCL and moved to London to begin grad school in September. All of this happened so fast - it was a last minute application mid-August, interviews in September and an offer made on the same day! Learning how to hunt for a house without being screwed over, and then moving in two weeks later. At that point, I was still doing a summer project in Cambridge, so never had a proper chance to say goodbye to my life there - that summer holds some of my most fondest memories. But having to sort out bills for my new house, organise cleaning rotas etc. made me feel like this was most definitely the start of something new, and that I was finally leaving the bubble of Cambridge and going into the wider world.
Realised that dreams can come true, that the un in the unattainable can disappear with enough confidence, perseverance and erosion. I know I'm being vague, but this applies to a lot of things that have happened to me, nay, that I've made happen. Taking an active role in forging my own destiny instead of sitting in the back seat just along for the ride ~ one of the most valuable lessons that I've learned this year, especially since it applies to everything in life: career, finance and of course, romance.
Following on from that, I accepted a PhD offer at UCL and moved to London to begin grad school in September. All of this happened so fast - it was a last minute application mid-August, interviews in September and an offer made on the same day! Learning how to hunt for a house without being screwed over, and then moving in two weeks later. At that point, I was still doing a summer project in Cambridge, so never had a proper chance to say goodbye to my life there - that summer holds some of my most fondest memories. But having to sort out bills for my new house, organise cleaning rotas etc. made me feel like this was most definitely the start of something new, and that I was finally leaving the bubble of Cambridge and going into the wider world.
Realised that dreams can come true, that the un in the unattainable can disappear with enough confidence, perseverance and erosion. I know I'm being vague, but this applies to a lot of things that have happened to me, nay, that I've made happen. Taking an active role in forging my own destiny instead of sitting in the back seat just along for the ride ~ one of the most valuable lessons that I've learned this year, especially since it applies to everything in life: career, finance and of course, romance.
Started to take an active interest in my fitness and well being. I started to go running after my exams were over, and in a few months, I went from wanting to give up after two minutes, to being able to run a 5km in just under half an hour! Unfortunately, in between this, I went to Morocco and climbed Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa, and this, combined with me increasing my running distance too quickly, resulted in me getting runner's knee and having to take time out. This was quite upsetting as I wanted to try out for the university lacrosse team at UCL but had to stop all running. Now I'm seeing a physio who is helping me to correct my bio-mechanics as it turns out my natural walk is causing problems, but in the meantime, I've taken up some new things like yoga and flexibility classes.
Added lots of new life experiences to my memories ~ worked as a student campus manager for Unilever, went to Morocco for two weeks, chatted to a milkman at 5am, celebrated my birthday with my beloved chemistry department, ahh, there are too many to list...!
All in all, a fantastic year! :)
Added lots of new life experiences to my memories ~ worked as a student campus manager for Unilever, went to Morocco for two weeks, chatted to a milkman at 5am, celebrated my birthday with my beloved chemistry department, ahh, there are too many to list...!
All in all, a fantastic year! :)
Yishi x
Paragraph three is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteIt is inspirational to hear, especially for a struggling Uni student like me.
True, getting on the wheel and driving your life to your goal is the key.
But sometimes, it leaves me clueless.
Not that I'm bad at metaphors, but the effort to jump start and the choices that comes with it is a risk.
Have you been to this situation?
I'd love to know how you got out of that. :)
I'm happy you're doing real good Yishi!
xx, Bee
Hey Bee! :)
DeleteIt's lovely to hear from you~ Yes, I truly empathise with anyone who is struggling through university since it is so easy to fall behind and into a horrible pit of despair, excuse the cliche! The hard bit is picking yourself up but there is so much to be said for the power of belief ~ if you truly believe you can get through it and you allow yourself enough time, then bit by bit, it will come.
With regards to your question, definitely! I put myself on the line a few times this summer, persistence surely pays off~ I think one of the risks that we are all scared of is the fear of failing. Even now, when I'm pushing myself to go for things, I will still only push to a certain extent because I'm still struggling with this fear, but I think that with time and more self belief, the confidence and drive to push will come.
Take care, and happy new year! :) x