I was going to put up one of my usual posts today, but figured since it's my birthday I should write something to celebrate my 21 years of being me! Here's a little Amy Poehler style memoir (read her book - it's fab) about my little life so far...
Happy me on the steps of The Met.
Halloween has always been my favourite holiday!
Preparing for my days as a surfing granny.
My favourite girls ft. parallel posing.
All the New York girls!
This 21st birthday is a little different than how I expected it to be when I was younger. I always imagined that I'd hire out a big venue at home, put on a fancy frock and invite all my friends and family. Thinking back, this was never going to happen. I've always known I was going to go to university and organising things when you live between two cities isn't the easiest job! Much to my surprise, I'm spending my 21st birthday in New York of all places. It's been a tough one not being able to drink here so far, and my 21st certainly won't be as wild as my previous birthdays. Instead we've opted to go for a classy meal downtown, where I'll definitely be treating myself to a few delicious cocktails. I'm not sure how much of the New York nightlife I'll be able to sample now that I'm 21 as all the girls are younger than me - but I will find a way!
Coming to New York is one of the craziest/bravest things I've ever done. I consider myself a very independent and strong willed person, but this experience has pushed me more than I could have imagined. I now feel like I can move anywhere in the world and take on anything!
I can't wait to get back and see my lovely friends at home in Manchester, and at university in Nottingham. I am so blessed to be living between two fabulous cities. Everyone knows that Manchester is the one; it's full of amazing bars, restaurants and of course the style! But Nottingham has seriously impressed me. The city is much more compact than what I'm used to at home, but this makes getting everywhere so much easier. There's a bunch of cool independent stores and restaurants that remind me of home, and the nightlife is my favourite. The city is dominated by students which means enjoying all of the fun university antics that comes along with it. Nothing fills me with more pleasure than walking the streets of Nottingham on a Wednesday night and seeing all the students running around in their Ocean Wednesday costumes, shouting one of our university chants. Everyone is so proud to be a Trent student - including me!
I always pictured myself at a London university because everyone tells you that's where you need to be for fashion. While I inevitably see myself moving to London, I am happy that I'm out of the capital for my university years. Nottingham Trent is a great school for fashion, and I love the sense of community that I don't think you would get in London. Whenever I walk around campus I always feel like I'm part of something. And who can afford London anyway?
I'm super grateful for all the friends I have made so far. Anyone who knows me will know that I think doing Art Foundation was the best decision I have ever made and I encourage everyone to give it a go. I constantly ramble on about how much I love the girls I met during this year, but I really do feel so honoured to have such a positive and amazingly talented group of friends who I know will be there to support me for the rest of my life. As I've gotten older (yes, I know 21 isn't that old), I've began to realise that it's really all about who you surround yourself with. As long as you have a great group of friends behind you, everything will be fine!
I couldn't talk about my 21 years without mentioning my disastrous dating life. But guys, you've gotta do it! Go out there, go out dates, meet new people. You'll really learn so much about yourself. It's definitely one of the scariest things you can do, but if nothing else, it'll make for some funny stories for your friends! It's interesting to get to know different people, learn about what they want to do and where they're heading. And of course have someone listen to you ramble about your life for a little bit! I'm a big believer that you can't commit yourself to a person until you're fully confident being on your own, because no one should hold that amount of power over your own happiness. Don't be expecting grandkids any time soon, mum!
My rough plan for my next 21 years include living in Manchester for a little bit after graudating to lap up all the northern-ness before I head down to London which is where I see myself really getting my career going. I'd love to work abroad for a year or so, but the language barrier might hold me back on that one. My plans are pretty 'take it as it comes' after that, until, of course, I retire to Devon and become a surfing granny. You're never too old!
Until next time,
Aderyn x
No comments
Post a Comment