Even when I handed in my final assignment it never occurred to me that my student days were officially over. Years of being a student - sleepless nights - tears shed before exams - parents consoling me that 'it's all going to be alright' - coursework's and essays- it was coming to an end. 6 years ago the idea of graduating and wearing the cap would have caused goosebumps to ripple on my arms but now, everything seemed........unreal.......like I was living in a different time zone and that life had passed me by so quick. I never did sit down and reflect. What was I going to do with my life now? Mixed feelings, mixed thoughts - I was happy, sad, worried and glad at the same time.
Up to this point, I always worked to my full potential to get the highest grades during my student years. I was a perfectionist in the sense that everything I did I would give my 100%, to the point where I would go on for 3 consecutive days without any sleep. I was never satisfied with a piece of work that I had completed and thinking back now I realise that I was too hard on myself. I never did give myself a 'break' since getting top marks in an exam or in my coursework's was enough to keep me happy. But the reality was, I never stopped to think WHY I was studying and WHAT I was working so hard for? What did I want to achieve in life? What was my aim? Instead all I would get is a sheet of A4 paper with my name and a shiny emblem on it.
So I decided to list a number of things that I aspire to do in the near future and the things I consider myself to be generally good at. I love writing and plan to publish my own book in the future, but I know that this can only happen with time and experience. I also want to gain a lot of experience in the field of journalism next year, whether it's voluntary or paid, it doesn't really matter. As much as I enjoyed my years of education, I did have to cut down on my social life. Now that University is over and I'm out in the real world, I realise that experience is just as much important as that A grade on your record. Without contacts, without any extra skills...I'm just like any other University graduate. But I don't simply want to do work for money. I mean’s money's great, right? It’s no use pretending that it’s not important. It is. Very much so. But, money’s not everything. To me, the key element in a life’s work is passion. Why would would I spend days without sleep over my education if I didn't feel passionate about the outcome? What exactly was I working for? I love being able to pursue work that empowers me to carry out such passion. And creativity. And meaning. And joy. I love empowering people through my words, whether its written on paper or whether it's by speech. I love helping people and generating ideas and contributing to society as much as possible. I love voicing my own opinions and combating injustice. I love to travel and as much as I have a desire to backpack around the world and see different places and experience new cultures, it's something I can't do on my own. Maybe in the future.
Looking at my scribbles of writing on the piece of paper, I realise that while half of my plans may seem a little to idealistic, it's not impossible. And, while the thought of getting out into the real world scares me, I’m also really, really excited!
So, will I be able to achieve my dream and become a successful author and freelance journalist? Well, you never know since with determination and a passion to succeed, anything is possible!
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