21 Sep 2022 | 2 mins

The streetlights illuminated the pavements, as I made my way home.

I looked down at the dash. 2am on Thursday morning and I’m crossing yet another milestone.

Driving home from my graduation party at my friends house, in my new car with my new licence. I exhaled deeply, “I made it” I whispered to myself.

The pivoting realisation that this was the beginning of my youthful freedom, no longer shackled to the requirements of high school and with little responsibility, I was ready to begin.

Playlist on shuffle, ‘Good Ole days’ by Macklemore came on, I turned the volume up and relaxed back into my car as I sang the lyrics with such sentiment.

A carousel of memories played through my mind, reminiscing each and every year of school. Those who left, those I was leaving with, those who I was afraid would be left behind in this chapter, how far I had come, and how far I still had to go.

Terrified with excitement and fearful of the unknown, it was a moment in my life I didn’t think would ever come.

Graduating had always been something spoken about and planned for. It always seemed so far away, until it wasn’t.

Even still, I wonder when it will actually settle in?

Two years later, I still drive the same light blue car, although it is most definitely not in the same condition as when I first bought it.

I’ve lost many friends, even those I swore I never would.

In saying that, I've made so many more. 

A feeling of growing more and more into my identity is apparent, but so is the acceptance that I will forever be growing, moulding and having my life turned upside down.

I’ve travelled, I’ve loved, I’ve lost. I’ve run away, I’ve felt trapped, moved countries, and returned home. Previous problems still remain, but most are no more.

Overall, I’ve had the most insane two years post high school.

Knowing that at any age, at any time, you can still begin again and continue to feel the smae sense of possibility and youthful freedom you have been since you were 18.

Get out there and pronounce to the world that you will live the life you want, be insane and be willing to feel absolutely every emotion that fills your life, to wholeheartedly experience everything you allow into your life.

Written by Amelia Michels