Week 1

People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it. George Bernard Shaw

As I presently sit here over a week after finals have finished, you sit, reflect and wonder about numerous things. In one week alone the emotions have varied from tiredness, excitement, sheer elation,  sense of calm to even one of potential disaster, anger and disappointment.. Since finishing I have come to find a number things:

• You may need a gap year after university more than before university.
• Take a break for a week or two, maybe three or four, possibly six.
• My parents are moving out of the old house.
• One should  find a job they enjoy, neither basing it upon salary or status.
• Experience = the solution to finding out what you really want.
• The elation of finals can quickly turn to panic and potential despair if you are not careful, but naturally that is just normal after exams if you are used to routine.
• Hangovers are annoying.
• London is expensive.
• I have always remained in love with my experience of living in Germany.
• I still hate the people on 'Made in Chelsea'.
• Life goes quickly, be there now.
• Revisiting the past is entertaining.
• The first week requires a great deal of reflection on achievements, values, strengths and even the acknowledgement of weaknesses.
• Planning and Organization is my partner in crime to succeed and make a life for myself and exploit perhaps the one of the most important years of my life. Finding out what I want  to do and to find my qualities.
• On the latter point. University has taught me far less than I expected upon arrival about myself. Certainly a few useful pointers that will set me in good stead
• I don't want to go into a job and sit behind an office desk for my entire life.
• Blogging is a distracting business.
• No one will read this.
• Routine is everything for some people.
• Shouting out 'F**k the  Educational System' was not as rewarding as I envisaged.
• According to the Job Prospects online I  belong in the Army?!?
• Always keep active, there is always one more thing that you can do, particularly after finishing university.

and finally... 

I have actually learnt the art of time wasting for the first time since I was five years old, now that I am free from the bonds of the educational system.  Looking and reflecting on the first week of the Gap Year, it is looking to be a tough, but rewarding year. Bring on the U.S.A, Uganda, Cycle Trip to Barcelona and more!

Matthew Williams