When I saw the last dregs of 2012 slip away I felt like I had done a pretty good job. Having nailed my exams in May of that year I went on to enjoy a great summer of sport; a summer which culminated in me taking the plunge into the world of employment. The start of third year was tough and was to be a sign of things to come, but for me 2013 couldn't cause me too many problems. Aside from being on one of the lower parts of Edinburgh on New Year's Eve, I felt like I might be standing on top of the world.
Fast forward to today and I feel a little bit different - not bad, just different. Today I am able to look back on 2013 with a raft of mixed emotions. My academic success can be left to the side for the moment because it is an ongoing concern. Let's just say that I have a target and I'll get back to you on that point in June of next year.
I feel like I have done a fair amount of growing up, or at least maturing, in the last 12 months. This seems odd to me because the twenty year old who thought he had the world at his feet this time last year didn't feel like he had any more growing to do. On reflection, which I something that I've had to embrace and battle with in equal measure this year, it might be that I will never stop growing - maybe that's the most important lesson I've learned this year.
It has been a year of great experiences. I have been employed for the full year and spent more hours in my shop than I would care to venture a guess at. I've always been a hardworking lad but my outer limits have been expanded somewhat by my more or less full-time status in the summer.
Thankfully I was able to take two weeks off for what was a most brilliant time in Salzburg. Socially and culturally is was a real eye-opening experience. From an academic perspective (which of course is why I was there in the first place!) it was just what I needed at this stage in my legal career. Until I went to Salzburg I didn't quite realise that I needed some confirmation that I was doing something that I enjoy; something that, most of the time, I love. My two weeks spent with a temporary community of fellow law students, academics and practitioners turned out to be the catalyst for what lies ahead.
My time in Salzburg, as well as being life-affirming, also looked pretty good on an application form. I like to think that it was one of the factors that got me 'through the door' - something that I had failed to do earlier in the year for summer placements. I knew that if I was given the opportunity to go and talk to law firms that I could make a good impression - and so I did. After a few weeks of interviews and assessment centres I sorted out a future for myself, and even gave myself a choice to make. If someone had asked me on that chilly evening on the 31st December 2012 what I was lacking, then it would be some idea of what my future held. 2013? Sorted.
While all of this was going on, I also moved away from home again. This was a move that was planned in the summer of 2012 but one that did not start taking shape until the end of this year's summer. I am pleased to report that it was a move in the right direction - even though I am currently sitting with layers on to keep warm! Having seen what it was like commuting to Edinburgh, I am now able to appreciate to a greater extent than before just how magnificent this city is - I am proud to call it home again.
Aside from the material stuff, it's not been the easiest year. I lost someone very important to me and I'm not sure if I've yet come to terms with it. The ripples that this event caused still rock things on a daily basis. This, more than anything else, has been the reason why I have grown up in the last year - I'm not sure how I feel about that.
So what does 2014 hold? Put simply: challenges. Despite having secured a traineeship I still have the small matter of securing a good degree for myself. I have in mind a series of hurdles, some taller than others, that I have to get over before I get to don the colours of my school at a graduation ceremony. I have been picturing that day for a number of years now and it remains clear in my head.
One of my first tasks in the new year is completing my final shift at work. In an attempt to focus all of my attention on getting my degree tied up I have decided to hang-up my name badge and pallet truck. To be sure I'll miss it but I know that I've made the right decision. I like the extra money as much as the next guy but I know what I'll enjoy more when summer time comes!
A brief, skeletal review of 2013 that was. My message to myself this year is not one of contentment as it was last year; instead it is one of pushing on and going to get what I want. This time next year I want to be able to look back on a year of great success in the areas that I so covet it - then I might be able to afford myself a moment of being content.
Happy New Year everyone and all the best for 2014!
Martin
