Preparing For The Battle Ahead

"In our world, you have two options for free time: you can either relax and rest, or use it to prepare for the battle ahead." and that was a quote by me *squeal*

I took a gap year, just to inform you to make this whole blog post lucid, in case that I have not told you yet. It might seem to others that taking a gap year is taking a year-long vacation, and I am telling you, it is far from that. To be honest, I miss going to school so badly now. I miss doing homework. I miss listening to my teachers' lectures. I love school, and taking that away from me is like taking away a candy bar from a three year old.

When I tell people that it is not at all a vacation, that this is not only for my sister and my family, that this is also for my maturity and for my college applications, they still underestimate it. Yes, I do know that you are going to college now and it is much more stressful because it is your first year and you are finding it hard to adjust. Don't you think I'm not finding it hard to adjust as well? Not waking up early in the morning to go to school is lovely, but it is not what I am used to. And, in fact, my college applications are not as easy as you think. I am applying to colleges in three countries, and that statement alone makes me wonder how a sixteen year old can handle it. But I'm managing it.

Random: I just want to share this with you, my readers. I am also scared that I might not get back to my old self since I am out of school. I am scared that I might lose that person. the one who aces her classes, who actively does extra-curricular activities, who teaches other people, who is named by her classmates "fish" or "crazy" or "jumpy", who is loved by her friends, family and God, and loves them back. I do think that I am still some of that person, but I do not know if I am still her complete package. Taking a gap year is scary, believe me. But if you are a person who wants to change his/her whole being, someone who wants to erase his/her past, then taking a gap year might fit you perfectly. I just want to tell you that even though I am taking a whole year off school, I am not having a fun and easy life, although I still want to look at my life that way such that I would not crumble (optimism!!!). It is far from easy, but I am taking it. Because why take the easy road to success, if it even does lead to success, right? I am taking the hard road. I am not resting. I am preparing for the battle ahead.

Take care and God bless! :)
- Daniela Villegas