I guess 2010 is the year that I officially become my own person. I say this because all the things I experienced in the past year have forced me to critically focus on my goals, ambitions, and happiness.

I always skeptically smirked when older people said "college is the best/craziest/most fun experience of your life." Then I went to college. And despite many of the personal setbacks I had, I really enjoyed being there, and I learned some real life lessons, in just three semesters:


- I humbled down. I realized I wasn't "too mature" for my peers; I had the same thoughts, emotions, and insecurities they had.

- I learned what a good friend was. Some people flaked when they had no more use for me. Others enjoyed my company unconditionally, admired my strengths, and accepted my quirks and faults.

- I learned that I could crush over someone - hard. That, and the outcome may not always be the greatest. I also learned to never try forcing feelings for anyone, ever.

- I learned that people truly value you for your honesty and individuality, not how agreeable you are.

- Cannabis is a beautiful thing. In moderation, of course.

- I had to swallow my pride at times. There always comes a time when you'll need someone's help.  

- Some people wouldn't mind vouching for you, as long as you show some interest.

- Anything worth having is worth struggling for. Especially when it comes to happiness.


I also learned to take nothing for granted, however, a little too late; last year, I lost focus and began to slack, and I eventually had to leave the school.

Even with that consequence, I'm not beating myself up. In some ways, I'm glad it happened. I know that when a door closes, others open. I'm learning to exude the love and joy that I had pent up - to receive love in return. Above all, I'm remembering that I'm human, and that mistakes are essential for growth.

Apart from soul-searching, I'm in the midst of looking for a job. I'm also building up my portfolio so I can get into another school, this time approaching it with more sense, using everything I've learned from the last year and so on.

This year can be promising if I make it so.