2014 Round Up

I've seen a couple of these floating around on blogs, and other various social media places, and it seemed like a fun thing to do! I thought I'd look back on all the cool things that have happened this year for me as it's been a pretty good one. I've learnt so much this year and as my final, whole year of 'childhood' (before I hit 18 in February), it's been a great jumping off point for an exciting, new chapter ahead of me. Ok, there's now an overload of cheese and it's only the third sentence so I'd better just get into it.

• The year started off with entering the extended essay competition at school. I wrote an essay on a subject close to my heart; being a twin, and was lucky enough to be awarded second prize. I was so happy to be picked and I actually had a ton of fun writing the essay.
• My birthday was in February and my friend kindly arranged a surprise party for my brother and myself. It was such a lovely gesture and it was great to get all our friends together and have some fun!
• Just after my birthday, I saw Wicked in the West End which was amazing! I love musicals and it was awesome to see it again, I think this must have been the third or fourth time I've seen it!

Our view of the stage of Wicked

• This year,  my mum turned the big five oh, and to celebrate, we threw her a surprise birthday party. Her family live about 300 miles away so it was amazing to have everyone here for a party in our garden, although I was surprised that we could all fit!!

My lovely mummy's amazing birthday cake! 

• After the exam period, I was awarded the Upper School Musician cup at the Celebration Day! It was a really lovely surprise.
• I finally finished my gold D of E this summer - I NEVER have to walk up a hill again. If someone asks me, I can just refuse! But seriously - it was my fave D of E so far and it was such an achievement to have.
• After D of E, I went along on my second cub camp. It's great helping out there and I honestly feel that helping out with the kids has made a massive difference to my maturity, but also my communication skills!

Cheesing on a lifeboat in the summer

• A week after I came back, I took my driving theory test and passed! Yay! That evening, I saw the European premiere of 'Dogfight', one of my favourite shows, and my comment on this was my first post on this blog!

• After a successful but nerve wracking results day, I embarked on a week's work experience in a GP surgery. This may not sound like a thrilling highlight to many people, but it was amazing. I'd never even entertained the possibility of being a GP before but all of a sudden, a whole world of opportunity opened up and it was fascinating to see firsthand the quality of care in the community, which is becoming especially important in today's society. 
• I then had my last first day back. For someone who's been going to the same school since they were four, it was a pretty momentous occasion, but I'm excited for 2015's first days in new places to roll around, all the same. 
• It was pretty quiet through September and October; I did a bit of work experience (including scrubbing in on some surgery!) and finished my UCAS application, attended a few parties, but I performed my last ever school show in November. That was quite emotional, having done them since year 10, and it was lovely to go out with a bang and perform with some of my friends!
• Near the end of November, I took my grade 6 exam in musical theatre and to my utter astonishment was awarded a grade 6. Like, what even. I'm so happy and have honestly come so far from being a tone deaf ten year old.
• November and December also brought other things for me - two interviews for medical school, and an offer for my fifth choice of biomedical sciences! I feel so lucky to have gotten this far and I can't wait to do my final interview at the end of January and show them what I'm made of.

All in all, the year had some pretty cool points for me. But undoubtedly my favourite thing was spending it with my family and close friends. I'm so proud of everything they've accomplished, especially my two brothers and my mum, and I can't wait to see them go on being wonderful in 2015.

Bring it on!