15 Mar 2022
Overview
  • Contributing writer Brenda Nguyen shares what life in a panny-d looked like for her in the midst of her early twenties -  fresh outta uni - and what valuable lessons she learnt ✨

When I finished my degree, I never thought that I'd be leaving the grounds of my uni and entering a worldwide pandemic. Yikes.

I’ve spent a fair amount of time over the last two years reflecting on what I have learnt. Here are some life lessons from someone who spent their early twenties in a weird limbo of lockdowns.

 

1. Your health is important 

Before all this, I would go to work with a headache, sore throat, cold - you name it. I never stopped to think about how important it was to take care of myself when I was sick.

Nowadays, I try to eat well and exercise to nourish my body. I also make sure to prioritise my mental health so that I am taking good care of myself and not burning out.   

  2. Spending quality time with family and friends is also important 

In my final year of uni, I spent a couple of months away from my family and friends travelling for leisure and study. I think the pandemic has really brought us all back together and helped me to realise how important it is to spend quality time with the important people in my life. 

3. Travel while you’re young  

I kept postponing opportunities to travel until I could no longer travel. Whether it’s just a staycation or a road trip up the coast, open your mind and try to explore the crazy and beautiful world around you. Travel is amazing in helping us to discover new places and learn about different cultures.  

4.     Learn to appreciate the little things 

I’m sure most of us went on our daily mental health walks during lockdown. Little moments like being out in the sun and having a picnic with friends helped me to appreciate the world so much more.  

5.     Don’t be afraid of change 

Finally, if there’s one thing that the pandemic taught me, it’s coping with change. With all the uncertainty going on, I am learning to welcome change rather than fear an unknown future.

As cliché as it may sound, don’t let fear stop you from pursuing the career of your dreams or making other changes to your lifestyle that you believe will help you to become a better version of yourself. 

You got this ❤️

Written by Brenda Nguyen