But 2 months ago, I wrote a post entitled "Terrified of life post-HS", wherein I expressed my terror of coming to university because I felt I was immature.
I'm not gonna say those fears I had were unfounded. It's just that between then and now, I have matured....somewhat.
What happened? I started university.
For the first time ever, I'm here on my own. No mom or grandma to do stuff for me while cussing me about my inherent laziness, and the customary "yuh soon gone pah yuh own, weh yah go do when wi nuh deh yah" diatribe.
What am I doing, now that I'm on my own?
First off, I've made new friends, seniors and otherwise, hallmates and otherwise. I've strengthened old friendships. I'm learning how to be a better friend, because we all need a shoulder to cry on sometimes.
I've learned what it means to have guys left, right and center wanting to make me the latest in a long line of bedpost notches, and how to keep them at a safe distance. Safe, of course, meaning a distance where they don't see me anymore...
I've learned how to be responsible. If I don't cook, I don't eat. So I cook, or I buy food when I'm lazy or tired after a long day of classes.
I monitor my alcohol intake when I party. I know my limits. Three gives a nice buzz. Four puts me over the edge.
I have had to learn patience. Orientation taught me that much. I learned what it meant to look to the hills from whence cometh my help and say "Bridle my tongue, Lord" because it was either that or tell some of them some real rude words and end up jeopardizing my chances to live peacefully on hall. I learned how to survive on literally one hour of sleep and not collapse, or even look in any way unhealthy.
I have had to learn how to deal with loneliness. Mom isn't here, and even though we talk every day that's not the same as our Saturday conversations or when she'd come sit on my bed and we talk about life and love and everything in between.
I've learned how to stay afloat and visible in a sea of 100+ people in my lectures. It's not easy, but I'm doing it, because I can't afford to get lost in the shadows that is UWI.
I've learned how to coexist with different cultures, beliefs and sexualities. (Yes I have seen homosexuals AND bisexuals, and God knows it's difficult seeing a man and have to consider him competition and not potential X_X)
Basically, I'm an adult now. In more ways than one. And I like it.
-me,
