Let's Talk About...University.

Okay, so most of reading this right now have now completed your year 12 (senior year) exams, you received your study scores or ATAR to determine whether or not you've got what it takes to make it in to University.

Some of you may have gotten the score you need, if you did: Congrats! Job well done to you! Your hard work has paid off (unless you never studied and still got above 70 then you're that person I hated when I did my exams, screw you.)

If you didn't get the score you wanted to get into Uni: it's not the end of the world for you. You're only 18 and your ATAR does not determine the person you are. You've got a long time to achieve what you want. (But if you got higher than 32.5 and think you got a shit score which is still above 40, I'm shaking my head at you, you did a good job.)

And for those that didn't give a shit: I wish I had your attitude. Things would've have been so much better if I didn't care as much as I did.

Now, for those who got the ATAR they needed, you now have the opportunity to go to Uni and pursue the dreams you've always wanted. Snaps for you.

But, to those who didn't, don't want to go and were told most of their high school life that high ATARs were the only way you were going into get into Uni:

You're not going to get to go anywhere in life, right?

Or even that going to Uni was the only way to have a future? right?

That if you didn't go you would not amount to anything?

Wrong.

I know, I fell off my chair when I found that out too.

Even if you got a low ATAR, there are always different ways of getting in and different avenues. Plus, if you didn't get into the first round, there's always second, third and forth. Oh, and supplementary offers, they're a thing too.

So, before you have a mental breakdown of a score you're not going to give a shit about in the years to come, think about other opportunities.

But to those who's hearts are keen as bean to go to Uni, make sure you know what you want to do and go for it. Know what you want before you spend thousands of dollars on a course your heart isn't fully in.

But, what if you're someone who doesn't want to go at all and people are judging you for it?

Guess what?

You don't always have to go to University.

Again, shock horror. Teachers expected most of us to have a plan figured out at 16; what we wanted to do and what Uni we wanted to attended, what study score we were hoping for...we were pressured most of our high school life (but to the teachers who knew ATARs didn't matter, you're the reason I didn't drop out so shout out to you.)

Uni isn't the "be all and end all" because I've haven't gone. Not saying my way is the right way for you of course, all I knew is that I didn't know what I wanted to do.

And still don't.

I talked about it a little in my post about Surviving Year 12 | Before & After, but I'll refresh your memory to save you going back because I'm lazy so I get it.

Since finishing year 12, my life has been pretty good. I have two jobs, one at a bakery and one at a vegan cafe (no, I'm not vegan). I still live at home because I cannot fully support myself to move into a house or rent anywhere, I go out and enjoy myself like any 19-year-old would. I've gone on holidays and I've lived a stress free year.

Of course I still get asked the obvious question every single god damn day

'Are you going to Uni?'

'Oh you're going mature age?...'

'Studying performing arts?...Do you have a back up plan?'

I want to bash my head against the wall every time it's brought up.

So, for you guys that will probably experience this.

Heres my advice to you:

It's none of their god damn business.

If it's adults who are pestering you about it, I'm pretty sure half of them dropped out, they stayed in there home town, got married and had kids. Some became stay at home mothers whilst some went into the family business.

It's your life, not theirs.

Live it the way you want to.

If someone doesn't agree with your choices on what you want to do? I'd kindly tell them to go forth and multiply.

I mean, that's I do now.

University is not for everyone. Don't feel pressured or obliged to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on something you're not fully committed to.

Live life to the fullest the way that you want to. If you do plan to go to Uni at some point, you go glen coco! You do you!

Don't spend life worrying about what other people think. You're awesome just the way you are.

To year 12's that have now finished, you've done amazing. You should be proud!

To teens going into their final year: Don't let anyone tell you what to do. Do the best that you can and great things will happen.

I mean, I've started writing a blog and now posting videos on YouTube, it's something I've always wanted to do and I'm glad that I'm now doing it.

Do what makes you happy. Because that's the most important thing.

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