2016: Nouveau Depart

I took three days to realize that I have yet to made my peace with 2015: with all it’s blessings and little shortcomings.

A list of gifts:

1. The strength to make it through some of the harshest months in an academic program, completing the International Baccalaureate is definitely a milestone I am proud of.
2. The opportunity and chance to make it overseas to study what I’ve always wanted to, medicine. Till today, I still remember how much doubt I had in me when I thought about whether I was able to succeed in IB. The doubt never wore off even till the last second before getting my results, it was a constant cloud over my head the previous months when all was done and dusted. 
   Life lesson: To always give your all in order to be certain, that you have done your part in ensuring your success. The rest was all up to God. Constantly thinking “what if i put in an extra week’s effort” leading up to the big days is not what anyone should have to go through.
3. For the pressures that I’ve had to face from Dad — never once letting me forget that I HAVE to achieve a goal. It’s A, or nothing at all. Yes, I admit that sometimes it got to me, but that only pushed me harder in order fulfill my responsibilities to him, and to make myself realize that your dreams don’t come true unless you work for it.
4. For the home that Mum provides — the one who made sure that the hardest months never went without the little things that make life comfortable for me.
5. For my best friend, and my partner — Through good and hard times in our relationship, you were always there for me. I can never thank you enough.
6. For all the people that made me grow as a person, the ones who came both as lessons and laughter.

Entering the first phase of university was not all guns and roses, or unicorn and ponies. I tried to wear too many hats at one time, out of /genuine/ interest in curricular activities, and with the workload of a student — I became burnt out at the time of my 2nd month, and that was not a good feeling. Coming home tired everyday, and not being properly invested in one particular thing got me doubting my capabilities. I gradually learnt that no matter how much you wanted to learn, grow, and attain new skills — your well being is always of priority. There was no use going to 10, when your focus in 1 was not a 100%. I’ve learnt to only focus on the things that I really want to be good in. Here’s to hoping 2016 will make progress in those arenas.

Another lesson: this course is not made for slackers. You slacked too much, girl. A chance like this is not to be wasted. Here’s to starting early, and consistently from scratch.

It’s time to accept my losses, tie up loose ends, and charge forward into a great year.