Letter to my former self

Dear Trace

I know that you are nervous about coming to university, and that you are only half-joking when you say that you should stay at home and do a music degree via correspondence. Scrap that idea immediately! I promise, although there may be some hard times, you will have the most amazing time, meet the most amazing people and grow so much that you won’t even be able to recognise yourself!

I must tell you about the first thing that hit me being away at varsity - the freedom. Wow – it’s the strangest feeling! You can go anywhere and do anything you want to, without having to tell someone your every move. Just imagine – you can go out later than 1 am without Mom smsing to ask “Where are you? What time will you be home?” - You know how annoyed you get when she does that!

I think it’s important to warn you however that this new-found freedom is not always as wonderful as it sounds. You have to learn to fend for yourself as an adult while still having fun as a kid.

I guarantee that you will phone home at least four times a day in your first term, sounding like a complete idiot, asking questions such as “Where do I switch the stupid washing machine on?” and “What do you mean I can only use automatic washing powder in the machine? I’ve been using the handwash powder for the last two months!” The phone calls will eventually become less frequent (only around two a day by the end of the year) and you will learn how to wash your clothes, or quickly find out where the Laundromat is.

On a more serious note – be careful how you handle your freedom. Don’t allow yourself to be caught up in the frenzied student life of excessive drinking, weekday partying, smoking, bunking classes and any other activity that may catch up with you and affect your studies. It’s also very important that you remember the values you were taught at home, and apply them constantly.

If you keep this in mind, relax, and be yourself, you will have the time of your life!

Lots of love
Me