During elementary school, I learned little skills that I didn’t realize were all that important at the time. I learned how to safely use scissors. I learned where glue should (and should not) go. I learned how to share and how to be a friend, how to play a recorder, how to do basic mathematics and that I’m really bad at sports. I learned how to fall and how to get up again and I learned that no matter what, I cannot properly do monkey bars.

In middle school, I learned that some people feel that there are more important things than friendship (such as popularity, or clothing labels). I learned how to sing (choir, I was a soprano), play the clarinet. I learned about cliques and getting to classes on time. I learned about bullies the hard way. I learned how easy it was hide an eating disorder because when you make yourself invisible – no one really notices you at all. I developed hobbies during this time that still stick with me (blogging, writing, jewellery making). I figured out some things that I hated about myself.

And then there was high school, where I learned some time management skills. I learned how horrible I am at math. I developed a love for science, mostly biology. I learned how to voice my opinion to people in positions of authority (teachers, primarily). I developed friendships with teachers, at least one of which is still ongoing. I developed better friendships than I ever did in elementary school, ones that even lasted after graduation. I learned what real friends were like and I got most of my hormones in check before doing stupid things.

And now, with university, I learned a lot of things. I learned what it was like to fail. I learned what it was like to pass with flying colours. I learned what love was and how to let myself be loved. I learned how to make mistakes and how to fix them. I learned much better study habits than I ever had before. I learned how to form study groups, make useful notes and how to talk to professors without sounding like I know absolutely nothing. I learned how lasting friendships don’t always last and that some friendships just don’t last after high school. I learned how to laugh and how to let myself cry. I learned what it was like to have another living thing dependent on me for survival (my pets). I learned what I really love to study and I really don’t like. I learned more about myself since graduating high school than I ever did in the years before. I learned how to be happier with myself, and with others. I learned to take things with a grain of salt.

But most importantly, I learned to love myself and those that I hold closest to my heart. ♥