(Originally posted 17/08/2017)

This time last year I was up all night looking at the UCAS page, hoping that by some chance it might update by 4am and I’d know what my fate held.
Despite getting better grades than expected (BBB) along with a place in my first choice university, I spent the day in bed avoiding everyone and crying. I was an emotional wreck.
It was obvious starting university was not the right choice for me just yet.

I decided to take a ‘gap year’, I set myself goals such as learn to drive, learn to speak French, write more, find a journalism job, etc. I was convinced I could achieve these goals during my year off.

Fast forward a year, have I achieved any of these goals?

The answer is no. I didn’t bother booking driving lessons cause I was too scared, I started learning French but later gave up on that too. I emailed loads of local newspapers but had no success in getting a job.

So do I regret taking the year out?

Absolutely not. I may not have achieved any of the goals I set myself but that doesn’t matter.

During this year out I had a full time job, so I was able to save more money for university and it kept me busy. The job also meant I got with my boyfriend, although one of the other ‘goals’ on my gap year was to avoid boys it was another goal I failed after getting together with Dylan.
Thanks to Dylan my year was made better, especially as he had no other choice but to be dragged down to Dublin so I could see Eddie Vedder. Which was probably the highlight of my year.

Along with Eddie Vedder, I got to see Guns N Roses reunite, I seen the 1975 for the fourth time, as well as seeing VANT and a tribute to The Doors. Music is everything to me so having a year filled with that was amazing.
I’ve still Biffy Clyro and Mac DeMarco to see before the summer ends and I cannot wait.

The year out also meant I could wait for my friend, Natalie to finish her exams that she needed to get her place in university. Thankfully she passed and now we’re moving to Liverpool together.

Most importantly, if I didn’t take this year out I wouldn’t have had the precious extra time I had with my Granny before she passed. I’m glad I was home to say my goodbyes, and also to be there for my mum.

As I’m writing this I’m surrounded by the mess I’ve created trying to sort out my clothes. I’ve already got one suitcase packed and it wont take long organising the other.
I’m definitely feeling more confident about moving to Liverpool now, especially as it won’t be such a rush this time. I may not have achieved much on my year out, but that doesn’t matter.
I now can’t wait to move and start my course, so lets see what the future holds!