General Discussion > Accountability and Motivation
My Gap Year Journal
Caitlynk_22:
Hey everyone!
SO quite a lot has happened in the last couple of months.
1. Only 1.5 months to go for my traineeship.
2. Finished my Tafe course (FINALLY)
3. Got my accommodation application accepted. I now have a place to live next year and had to pay an arm and a leg to accept the room.
4. Almost at uni enrolment time. I have my student account etc and filled out HECS-Help form blah blah blah. For Newcastle enrolments open on the 9th so not long now.
5. My friends are coming home VERY soon. I'm so excited to see them again!
6. I notice I am definitely more comfortable talking to random people in the store as well as on the phone. I may still have anxiety but I think it has gotten better in that aspect.
Also, the other day I was thinking about when I was first said I wanted to be an architect (or something similar). It was a while ago but I remember being in year 7 PDE and the teacher was asking everyone what they wanted to be. At that point I honestly had no idea. In primary school I'd say the standard teacher or vet but I had heard one of the other boys in the class mumbling architect so I just went ahead and said that to the whole class.
I didn't really know what it was at first but I think as the years passed I was drawn to the art, the maths and design of it all. I became fascinated with the classical/neoclassical style of the buildings in the Sydney CBD. How I wished people designed buildings as beautiful as that these days. Yes, some buildings look nice all modern and new but where is the character? Did we really get lost in the functionality and the rationality of the modernist era? You know what I say to easy-to-put-together concrete buildings BLERGH.
Our families trip to London amazed me. Everywhere there was character. I loved it there. I was sad to leave it. Our other trip 4 years later to Germany made me compare what we had here. I guess it's because we're not an old country (we don't have castles sitting on random hills).
In senior school I chose subjects that would help me get into architecture. Art, Ancient, Engineering, Math etc. We studied a bit of architecture in ancient and I LOVED it. It got me thinking if I could go into architectural history. I still honestly have no idea if architecture is what I'm supposed to be doing but I'm certainly going with it for now. I can't think of what I'd do if I didn't pick it, I needed something creative yet mathematical at the same time. Engineering too much maths for me.
All I know is that by taking this gap year it has not swayed my thoughts in which direction I want to go. I know plenty of people who have changed what they want to do in their gap year and that's ok. Do what you want to do. Don't be forced to do what your parents want you to do.
I'm going to stop talking now. I don't know why I wrote all that but here ya go anyway. I haven't written anything in months.
Bri MT:
It's great to hear from you again!
I don't really know anything about architecture but 100% agree that the same old (or should I say contemporary) rectangular prism of glass, metal & concrete is boring.
As you learn more about the field I imagine that'll help you gain more confidence about what specifically you want to do.
I hope you have a great reunion with your friends :)
Caitlynk_22:
I literally keep thinking that its 2019 still.
I spent new years with my friends, one of which is moving to QLD. We all almost burst into tears even as we have spent the last year away from each other but now its going to be even harder to see each other. My best friend said she's going to come visit me in Newcastle in March (As I did to her last March) but at the moment I'm literally thinking 'how the heck do I make friends?' 'Will I like my flatmates?' 'I hope they don't steal my food'.
It nerve wracking just thinking that I have to pack and leave my home town. As much as I say that I want to leave this boring ass town I think I am going to miss it. Like no traffic. I'm going to miss that. My double bed :'( . All my books. My mum. It's made me think that last year was about treasuring everything that I have and knowing that I won't be living at home permanently anymore. At least I don't think I'm going to be living in my home town after uni after all I need to find a job. Looks like it's going to fun being a proper adult.
What did I learn in 2019?
- That I'm adult and actually have to pay for food now.
- I'm strong and can set my mind to anything I dream of.
- I can be confident, I just have to put myself out there.
- I like to learn new things. I craved to learn. I'm not kidding.
- That my parents are going to buy a kitten after I leave.
- Life isn't made for us to sit and do nothing (I do that plenty of times) and I'm ready to start running towards my goals.
- I'm allowed to make mistakes. We're all human.
What are my goals for 2020?
- To put myself out there. We're only young once!
- To be even more confident than I was in 2019.
- To make some friends.
- To enjoy uni and not get bogged up with assessments.
- Be organised! To be honest, this will never happen.
I think that's it for now. The farthest I have thought about uni is the fact that I'm moving in next month and I haven't packed a single thing.
I don't remember if I told you or not but I have been learning French online since the middle of October. Every night I hope online and do 15 mins of French. I have no idea if it's actually working but we'll see!
They've started advertising for my job at the bookshop now so it's all starting to get real. I can't help but wonder who their next trainee is going to be. I know we are all very different people us past/present trainees but we all get along very well especially with our coworkers and bosses. Apparently there's usually around 30 applicants for the job but then they've gotta strike out the people who aren't gap year people leading them down to 12-15 people. It kinda made me go WOW how the heck did I get this job?
Then 5-6 people are interviewed. I think some people don't get chosen because they said they can't work Saturdays but I guess that is a turn off for an employer when hiring. My boss said picking between the last 3 or 4 is like picking a name out of a hat. All sound good but you never know.
I officially finish on the 31st but I'm using up some of my leave to just relax as I leave on the 8th of Feb. So three full weeks of work left. Gah it's gone so quickly! Some days may have felt like three years but many days felt like three hours. My coworkers have really guided and helped me grow this year and I think I'm really going to miss them.
Anyway I have written an essay so the next time I check in will probably be on my ATARNotes 2 year anniversary which I know is really cheesy but who cares.
I'm also trying to decide if I should make a University journal. I'm thinking of keeping going as I have already poured my soul onto these posts. Opinions anyone?
Au revoir for now!
Ionic Doc:
Hey, I've been a lurker of your GAP year journal for a bit now and it's been so interesting reading about your journey, what you've down, your job and honestly it seems really nerve-wracking leaving home so I honestly wish you all the best and hope you transition in well to university life.
Also, I reckon it would be great if you made a university journal.
All the best for 2020 :D
kauac:
Hey Caitlyn!
--- Quote from: Caitlynk_22 on January 06, 2020, 05:49:45 pm ---
What did I learn in 2019?
- That I'm adult and actually have to pay for food now.
- I'm strong and can set my mind to anything I dream of.
- I can be confident, I just have to put myself out there.
- I like to learn new things. I craved to learn. I'm not kidding.
- That my parents are going to buy a kitten after I leave.
- Life isn't made for us to sit and do nothing (I do that plenty of times) and I'm ready to start running towards my goals.
- I'm allowed to make mistakes. We're all human.
--- End quote ---
Love these reflections! Seems like you had an awesome gap year!
--- Quote from: Caitlynk_22 on January 06, 2020, 05:49:45 pm ---
I don't remember if I told you or not but I have been learning French online since the middle of October. Every night I hope online and do 15 mins of French. I have no idea if it's actually working but we'll see!
--- End quote ---
Which course/program are using to learn French?
--- Quote from: Caitlynk_22 on January 06, 2020, 05:49:45 pm ---
I'm also trying to decide if I should make a University journal. I'm thinking of keeping going as I have already poured my soul onto these posts. Opinions anyone?
--- End quote ---
Do it! Keen to hear about your experience at UON! And plus if you don't keep a journal, you might regret that later. :)
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