Looking back at Second Year

We always say that time flies when you’re having fun, but this year really has proven that to me. First-year hadn’t been the easiest with all of the lockdowns and COVID restrictions. The department really did their best for us to make our experience as fun and as normal as possible, but the rules in place often made this difficult. Going into my second year, I didn’t really know what to expect.

Honestly, the second year has felt like a whirlwind. I’ve had so many different experiences this year which I’ve loved. There are so many moments I wish I could go back and relive.

Sure, it hasn’t all been plain sailing all the time. I’ve had some tough moments and hit some really hard lows as well. Things really haven’t gone the way I thought they would, and I’m okay with that. This year I put myself into new situations that frankly I wouldn’t have been strong enough to try before. Some things went really well for me, and some I wasn’t ready for or truthfully weren’t right for me. But, I’m quite proud of myself for trying.

If I could go back in time to the start of my second year and give myself some advice, I’d have plenty to say.

Firstly, I’d tell myself not to be afraid to push my comfort zone. This year I had the opportunity to try so many new things, join new groups, learning about new subjects. From things I’ve always wanted to try to things I’d never even thought about doing before, there’s been a massive variety of new things this year. I remember how nervous I was, joining new groups. Suffice to say looking back, the nerves really weren’t necessary. Now, I can honestly say this has filled me with so much happiness throughout the year that trying so many things was worth it.

Next, I’d remind myself to stay organized! Anyone who knows me knows that I often swear by my planner to keep on top of things, and this year’s been no different. I found remembering to use my planner to write down what I was meant to be doing when was super helpful especially when things were getting more than a little busy (4 different shows in a weekend anyone?). There were phases where I’d just forget to write things down, which wasn’t so helpful, and these lead to the more chaotic moments for me, so I would absolutely like to remind myself to use my planner more because it really does make a difference.

And finally, I would push myself to just be who I am. The older I get the more I discover who I am, and how I can fit into the world as a better person. For me events like Glow and Loud & Proud on campus have been things I’ve always wanted to go to, but only recently been brave enough to try. Now more than ever, I’m really realizing that people love me for who I am, so I’d love to go back and reassure my past self that she is amazing, she can do it, and all she has to do is be herself because the world will love her no matter how tough it feels at times. 

Looking at it, frankly I feel that all three of those are things I’d tell any university student to remember anyway. They’re all really important things to learn, and good advice to take in. So, always remember:

• It’s good to push past your boundaries and try new things
• Staying organised helps make everything easier
• Always stay true to who you are, and the world will love you for it.