Of course, it goes without saying that there were plenty of bad times but I want this retrospective to be a happy one, because it just seems like my life has exploded with potential and I'm so glad things turned out the way they did.
America
I do realise that everyone is sick of hearing about it, but it just had such a profound effect on my life. It opened my eyes to life outside Lincoln, or even the UK - and it's a big, big world out there. I met people from all across Europe, and over there I lived a lifestyle that I could never do here. Stress free, relaxing, in the countryside.
Perfection was the only way to describe it. Sure, there was plenty of hard times, I can think of a few trips to hospital which come to mind! But whenever I look back on my time there it's just like a good dream, and it's only when I returned to life in Lincoln that I realised how lucky I was to seize the moment and go for it. I will never again get to do something like that, but I'll treasure what it taught me forever.
Looking into the big unknown, Mt. Willard, New Hampshire, USA
My hobby
This just grew and grew, it really did. In the physical sense, I probably have a few more gramophone records than when I started this year, and it did earn me a place on Japanese state TV - but it's what this has brought me in other ways which warrants a spot on this retrospective. Friends, and dear ones too!
When I posted my very first video blog, interest in my channel shot up and I started to receive the odd note from collectors, who I would talk to and exchange music with. Little did I know when I started emailing two in particular that I'd fly 6,000 miles to meet one and go round New York with one, and San Francisco with the other. Rick and Gerhard are like father figures to me - true friends for life.
I also finally met the wonderful Geri, who helped me enormously during my difficult periods in the USA and was so kind to me, and Sean who has an amazing gramophone collection and whom I had some interesting experiences in Albany with!
Not only that, but I met a whole host of amazing musicians, and the lovely Bridget at Whitley Bay this year. They inspired me to pick up a trumpet and start playing for myself, perhaps I'll be back next year jamming with them...assuming people are too drunk to notice the newbie in the room.
Everyone thinks I'm such an oddball for it, but buying that gramophone in 2009 has just enriched my life so much because of the people it's lead me to meet and become friends with - and I'm sure I'll meet so many more people this next year too!
A memorable dinner had this year, with some of the best European and American jazz musicians!
University
This year has gone well. I feel my journalistic capabilities have increased quite a bit, this time last year I never imagined that I would have interviewed Nick Clegg or the Westborough Baptist Church but I did. It's constantly stressful, tiring and the days are long - but if I wasn't doing this then I would have no purpose in life and nothing to spend my time on.
I finished my term in the SU with distinction, and I was so proud when I won the award for "Commitment To The Students' Union 2011", handing over the position to Maryam who I am sure will do a wonderful job.
As university ends this coming year, I face a period of uncertainty in my life. The economy is flat lining and I fear there will be a period of unemployment before I find a job. I'm determined to do my best, however - and I have confidence in my abilities.
Friends gained, and other titbits
This year I've been fortunate enough to gain a few friends. There's the new journalism students, jazz lovers from my record collecting hobby and others in between. Unfortunately there are people I've lost touch with, namely most (if not all) people I went to Hall Cross with. I found myself having a clear out this year, thinking that I never spoke to these people any more - and that we all have our own lives to lead now. I dread to think what will happen to most people I know from university now, perhaps I'm too driven and I don't want to look back too much?
Taking up the trumpet in the past month has been quite fun. I have no idea why I didn't take it up earlier, but after seeing the musicians at Whitley Bay 2011 I was inspired to do so. It's terrifically expressive and progress has been pleasing. My aim is to return next year and join in the jam session, with the hope that people will be too drunk to notice the newbie amongst the experienced players!
Last year's resolutions and thoughts for the new year.
I'm very proud to report that I fulfilled most of my resolutions last year. I achieved something I was proud of in the SU, got a 2:1, had an amazing time in the USA, meeting new people and enjoying myself more. I still procrastinate but some things don't change.
When I think about the new year, my focus is to keep the momentum I've gained in my life going. I want to keep building on the successes of this year, and learn from my failures. The first one that comes to mind is to keep on learning the trumpet.
I'm determined to get a 1st, but a 2:1 would also be acceptable for me. The main focus this year will be finding meaningful employment, something that's going to be very difficult. The chief concern will be finding a roof over my head if it doesn't work out.
I'm also determined to return to America, however this probably won't happen next year so it will be a long term goal for me. I want to continue to build my Youtube channel, with the hope it could lead to employment if I put my CV all over it!
This year has gone well. I feel my journalistic capabilities have increased quite a bit, this time last year I never imagined that I would have interviewed Nick Clegg or the Westborough Baptist Church but I did. It's constantly stressful, tiring and the days are long - but if I wasn't doing this then I would have no purpose in life and nothing to spend my time on.
I finished my term in the SU with distinction, and I was so proud when I won the award for "Commitment To The Students' Union 2011", handing over the position to Maryam who I am sure will do a wonderful job.
As university ends this coming year, I face a period of uncertainty in my life. The economy is flat lining and I fear there will be a period of unemployment before I find a job. I'm determined to do my best, however - and I have confidence in my abilities.
Serious journalism in action, RAF Waddington
Friends gained, and other titbits
This year I've been fortunate enough to gain a few friends. There's the new journalism students, jazz lovers from my record collecting hobby and others in between. Unfortunately there are people I've lost touch with, namely most (if not all) people I went to Hall Cross with. I found myself having a clear out this year, thinking that I never spoke to these people any more - and that we all have our own lives to lead now. I dread to think what will happen to most people I know from university now, perhaps I'm too driven and I don't want to look back too much?
Taking up the trumpet in the past month has been quite fun. I have no idea why I didn't take it up earlier, but after seeing the musicians at Whitley Bay 2011 I was inspired to do so. It's terrifically expressive and progress has been pleasing. My aim is to return next year and join in the jam session, with the hope that people will be too drunk to notice the newbie amongst the experienced players!
I didn't find myself a boyfriend, but I decided to just stop looking. I'm actually quite content at the moment to be single. I have barely enough time for myself, let alone someone else! One day in the future I'm sure I will make someone very happy, but for now my focus is on my work and my hobbies.
My 20th birthday party, March 2011
Last year's resolutions and thoughts for the new year.
I'm very proud to report that I fulfilled most of my resolutions last year. I achieved something I was proud of in the SU, got a 2:1, had an amazing time in the USA, meeting new people and enjoying myself more. I still procrastinate but some things don't change.
When I think about the new year, my focus is to keep the momentum I've gained in my life going. I want to keep building on the successes of this year, and learn from my failures. The first one that comes to mind is to keep on learning the trumpet.
I'm determined to get a 1st, but a 2:1 would also be acceptable for me. The main focus this year will be finding meaningful employment, something that's going to be very difficult. The chief concern will be finding a roof over my head if it doesn't work out.
I'm also determined to return to America, however this probably won't happen next year so it will be a long term goal for me. I want to continue to build my Youtube channel, with the hope it could lead to employment if I put my CV all over it!
Finally, I'm resolving to keep the memories of the USA close, the lessons it taught me and how it broadened my horizons.
****
2012 can be a good year, I know it. I want to be writing the same thing at the end of 2012, looking back on how well things have gone. It's just going to take a bit of hard work to make it happen.
Falling into the unknown, and the highlight of my year. Skydiving in Maine, USA