At the end of every year, I like to summarise my experiences over the course of the year and to remember what the highs and lows were, and I thought this year shouldn't be any different even though my life has changed dramatically.
But how do I go about this, really? There is so much to say.
Chinese New Year- couldn't find a photo of myself but here's an adorable one of my cousin giving my grandpa a big hug! |
The pits
One of the biggest achievements of my life happened this year- I graduated from uni! But you've already known that, I'm assuming. But I might not have written about how tired I was of university this year. Although I was still doing relatively well, I was not as motivated as before and I think it definitely showed. In many assignments I was taking a very laid back approach and didn't seem to bother whether or not I did well.
Spinning in the water during Easter break |
That was probably one of the worst things to happen this year- knowing that I had virtually lost my motivation for so many things and still have to continue. I knew then that I could not go back to university anytime soon- I need other pursuits now. I need something fresh and new that would make me feel alive and make me burn with enthusiasm and passion.
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I love this picture- at a safari at the Nairobi National Park with a Pakistani, Uzbek, Spaniard, Panamanian and Egyptian. |
The peaks
Having said all that, I must say this was still one of the best years for me. Even though I did say that I became a less motivated person, I did think that I became a happier person. And this was all because of the people that I've met this year- they all shaped me in their own ways. The coworkers in Shanghai, the supervisors in Melbourne, my uni friends and people I met in Kenya all helped in this process.
Kenya was pretty good, too- even though I was only there for 10 or 11 days, I still saw a lot of things and experienced quite a bit. I had never been to Africa before, and to suddenly go alone was quite daunting at first, but perhaps it was my self-diagnosed burnout but I wasn't too worried about what might happen. I was careful, of course, and nothing happened. The conference I attended was filled with people so inspirational that it really did make me feel like I can do so much more with my life.
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Conference time! - with the South East Asian (plus Australian) delegation |
Finishing uni would also be one of the sweetest achievements of my life, and one of the best things that happened to me this year. I did not feel it much during graduation as I'd already been living the life of a graduate for more than a month by then, but in the first few weeks of me being done with uni I was happy. I was so proud of myself for persevering through it all. I was happy that I can finally call myself a university graduate. But I was also saddened at the thought of me having to graduate and leave schooling life as it meant that I'm now getting older.
But if I had to sum up the year, I'd say that 2012 for me was the year of achievements and milestones.
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Graduation attire while travelling! |
One of my goals is to definitely get a job and be financially independent. But I also hope that my visa application goes through and I'll be able to stay for a little while more. I also hope to find more meaning with my life and to discover my passion. I also want to live a life of no regrets, and be more optimistic about everything. I just finished that travel book and throughout the entire book, I was really struck by how the author constantly talked about how he wanted to live life to the fullest and would rather die saying 'I did that' rather than 'I wish I did that', so that's how I hope to live this year- try new things and make the best of every situation.
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On a cruise in Tasmania |
'Regrets over yesterday and worries about tomorrow are the twin thieves that rob you of the moment'
That's a LONG 2012.
Well, I shall post mine up for a comparison soon too!
Wait. Finals is on the 31st December.
WTHELL
Haha. Mine's coming up soon too! Definitely not as happening of course, but I'm happy.
Btw Binn, you're not the only first-year around when JR's graduated uni ;) Just, well, enjoy studying life when you can. Working life is defo gonna be more stressful.
Btw, JR, for the much you've changed, do you think I still know you well? I'm doubtful. :P
Why hello there my two faithful readers!
Bin, I do agree with EL. Enjoy your student life while it lasts :)
EL: I don't know, I think you're perceptive enough to still be able to know me well. Just need to talk more!