I can't believe first year is over. I just got back my results and... I passed! I'm so happy I could kiss a hamster. I would say a frog, but I've already got my prince.

I really wasn't expecting the results to come out as fast as they did. There are still some faculties busy writing exams. It seems to me like the Art Department writes exams before the rest of the university, so we get our results back first. It's not like school where you have to wait for everyone to finish writing exams. I'm so relieved, because now I can start enjoying my vacation. I am a bit afraid of the rumors going around that your second year is the hardest. I'm sure I’ll be fine though. The more I learn about jewellery, the more I want to learn and make and discover. It’s a great feeling.

I still love my bachelor flat. I think I should have gone with it from the beginning. I was afraid of loneliness, but it’s so amazing having the freedom in your own space. I can now sing and dance as loud and crazy as I want without risking embarrassment. My neighbours have never complained, so I'm not worried. I can enjoy myself by cooking as much and as messy as I want without people shouting at me about the mess. I can invite people over without asking permission. Anyone can sleep over and I will have no complaints. I feel like I can make my own decisions. I feel all grown up (in a good way).

I have a new boyfriend. His name is Stephen and he is awesome. We do karate together. We have only been together for a month, but I think I might be in love. The only suckish thing is that he lives in Bellville and I live in the West Coast/ Stellenbosch. In Uni times, I at least got to see him 3 times a week at karate, but now it's vacation and he's far away. I drive through as often as possible, but I still miss him terribly. Lately I've been listening to this one Taylor Swift song a lot: "Hey Stephen".

My first year was amazing and I wouldn’t change a single thing. I take nothing back and I have no regrets. I am grateful for all the lessons I learned, even if it had to hurt, because it made me a stronger person. I hope all you seventeeners have the same awesome experience (or various experiences) at your first year of varsity as I did. Who knew growing up could be this much fun?

P.S. Merry Christmas