Rambling Onwards

Coldplay was an absolute dream.

At the beginning of this year I thought my concert days were over - mainly because a lot of my favourite artists toured last year and there wasn't any news of anyone playing down under in 2016 (except Troye Sivan - but sadly I couldn't get tickets). Coldplay's been on my list since two of my friends saw them during their Mylo Xyloto Tour (2012) and along with the fact that this could be their last tour indefinitely - it was an immediate yes.

Fun fact: Haze and smoke make lights look all the more impressive (and visible).

There were fireworks and confetti and bright, colourful lights galore during the big numbers, but they knew how to keep the crowd interested by mixing it up with stripped back, slower songs with more gentle lights and acoustics.

I don't remember whent his was but it was before 'Paradise'.

A sky full of stars!

You wanted big anthems? They gave it to you with lasers, bright lights, occasional fireworks and lit up the stadium with the free wristbands we got. You needed a moment? Right on cue, they would play something soulful like 'Yellow' or 'Fix You', initiating a singalong (especially during 'Viva La Vida') and swaying crowd. You wanted to party on a Tuesday night? They used a remixed 'Paradise' so the beat dropped and we jumped and danced to our hearts delight, waving our wristbands in the air in a way we never expected.

And just when I thought that was everything, they threw huge, colourful balloons into the crowd during 'Adventure of a Lifetime' - not what you'd expect at a typical concert and honestly it made it so much more fun.

Never did I ever think that I'd be part of a concert where I was so far and yet so close to the action (ie: a LOT of balloons).

I also really liked Coldplay's stage - they had one long catwalk halfway down the stadium so even though we were in the back half of the floor we still got a really good view, especially when the moved to the C stage behind us so they were only a few metres away from us. It also meant that we weren't left out of the confetti showers.

They were so close!

Confetti galore.

It's actually pretty cool being showered in confetti.

The set list was on point - there was never a dull moment and even though they played a number of songs from their headliner album there was no shortage of Coldplay classics. Both the opening acts - Jess Kent and Lianne La Havas - had a great sound and vibe and I don't doubt that they'll become big someday and I'll be there to say that I saw them live and I loved their music and their sound.

I'm not a die-hard Coldplay fan, but I've loved a fair few of their songs over the years and I love their sound. For me, there's two reasons I'd go to a concert - either I'm a massive fan and I know all their music, all of their lyrics and I want to experience it live, or I know enough of their music to enjoy it but I'll let the concert surprise me. This was the latter - and even though I didn't know all of the music I feel so lucky to see them perform live because they put on a bloody brilliant show. I don't feel like it was as life-changing as The Script's concert last year but amazing to be on the floor with thousands of other fans.

Concert fam - thanks for being fab.

As my friend suggested, I've made a tag called concert diary - and much like travel diary hopefully I can document these adventures of a lifetime so one day I can look back and remember how it felt like to be in the moment - just because it makes me so happy.

If you ever find yourself contemplating whether or not to go to your first concert or want something different to do - take the splurge and you won't regret it. Especially something as big as Coldplay - how it feels to be there is just incredible. Go for experiences - and you won't regret it.

What was the last concert you went to?

With love, Sarah x

It's been about four months since I've written (or had the capacity to write) something on this blog but after spending a lot of time at home this week and a lot of time just doing nothing during the midsem (even though I had four weeks to catch up on), I finally feel like I can. It's hard a lot of the time since I don't have anything substantial to say especially if I'm living and breathing revue, uni and work - but it's good to have time again (even if it means procrastinating).

I am quite happy with this photo. #photographyadventures Thanks to my sister for being a great model without wanting to be xoxo. She also has a great book blog, so check it out.

My dad decided to bundle the family in the car and drive us down to Port Botany/La Perouse on Sunday and the result was a day by the seaside and a lot of photos. Even though this was meant to be family time, I ended up wandering off on my own (or with my sister) and we kinda just took a lot of photos and I spent a lot of time watching a couple try to take wedding shots down on the rocks. I honestly felt bad for her since she was trying to navigate those rocks in high heels - but it's all part of the things you do for art. They'll have some amazing photos for sure.

My dad shipped us off (in a car) to Port Botany, giving us about 15 minutes notice. It was nice watching planes take off and land, and ships arrive and leave the harbour - it was surprisingly calming.

Actually, my family make good photo subjects.

So what's been happening?

Law Revue has come and gone along with the more insane highs and lows (compared to last year), I became a Producer for Med Revue and I signed up for something called Global Village, meaning you can expect a lengthy post in December about my experience as a volunteer for SAE LAO in Laos. I stayed in Bondi for a week with a friend and that was the most fun I've had for while, and I've realised that my eating patterns over the last two months were terrible, meaning that my body would crash and I would lack energy a lot of the time. I started a new job in marketing located a few minutes walk from the famous Bar Luca (literally the most amazing burgers in Sydney), I lost some demerit points for a really stupid reason and it's been a tough juggling act between holding onto some friendships, making new ones and letting a relationship grow. But I think it's all worked out, in the most part.

I've also been putting a lot less of my life online - maybe it's because I no longer feel a need to (but let's be real, it's just too time consuming). Maybe this is because studying social media technologies in an arts course also puts me off (trust me, I've written an essay about selfies) or maybe it's to do with turning the big 20. Either way, live life how you want to because you can still enjoy life - which is the most important part.

Yeah, this was actually a candid. I look somewhat awkward in the posing one - but hey at least I didn't have to struggle and walk on rocks in 10cm heels. | Photo: Katrina Wu

I actually spent a chunk of my time watching a bride and groom take their wedding photos and I didn't know whether to laugh or feel sorry for the bride when she was trying to walk on rocks in 10cm heels in a wedding dress. It looked like a massive struggle and I'm glad she eventually took off her shoes - but it just makes me think, those shoes will be ruined. Ruined for art? I think so.

I also spent some time people watching - I find that peaceful even though it sounds slightly creepy. It's not though, I promise.

La Perouse & the 'Wikipedia bridge'. So beautiful and peaceful, despite all the traffic, trouble finding parking and the abundance of people.

The warmer weather makes me want to hit up some beaches or new, scenic places with friends and have a nice day chilling or exploring, but inside (aha) I know this won't happen until November with all the assessments, exams and events happening in the next month and half. Somehow, it's just not the same with family, but it is different in its own way.

[Warning: Revue-centric post]

It's funny how a year ago, I wrote up a post about Med Revue 2015 as part of Tech Crew and it's so optimistic - I was so fresh and it literally skims the surface of revue. A year later, I've been a part of Law Revue cast, Front of House for two shows, ran for Producer and choreographed and danced in another Med Revue. They say a lot changes in a year, but I feel like I've really grown a lot and Revue has changed my life - I've made so many wonderful friends and there are so many people I care about, and I'm so excited to be able to help make it happen and help first-timers gain the same experience I did and grow as people in their revue journey.

I'm sitting here filled with Revue nostalgia and withdrawal from Med Revue: Doctor Flu and to think that I was only a small part of it just makes me realise how much revue means to me and why this weird voodoo revue magic makes me keep coming back. I have a heavy feeling in my heart and I miss spending so much time with my revue friends - my life feels a little empty even though I still have other things that I need to care about.

Photo by Parallax Photography

I think this year's show is so special to me because it was 1) a really amazing show and I got to shape part of it but 2) I somehow managed to become friends with casties and see people grow into someone who was more sure of themselves and confident, and that honestly has been the most rewarding thing. I feel sad that I'm not completely a part of cast, but I still have the rest of the revue community who understand what I'm feeling right now.

But not to dwell on the sad things, because there were many wonderful and beautiful things that happened too, especially during show week.

The dance that I choreographed with Ronn. It turned out pretty well - there are some things that could be improved but hey it's all a learning curve. To see other dances, we made a playlist so check it out.

I've choreographed before, but it's never been as rewarding as this time. I was lucky enough to be working with Ronn Lo, my friend and fellow dancer for almost 6 years, and we just bounced off each other really well and had similar ideas. We had frustrating moments, we had moments where we would smash out a minute of a dance in two hours, but most of all, we had fun. And to think of the first time I choreographed for a staged performance (JRAHS Musical 2013) and compare it to today... I can say that I've grown a lot and I've got a much better idea of how to stage something and tell a story. I still get flustered, I still get stressed and and semi gave up on it towards the end - but I'm actually really proud of what Ronn and I managed to achieve. It also brings me so much joy when the dancers tell me that it's their favourite dance - and I hope they can take away the tricks, skills and confidence they gained from our dance sessions.

Powerful. | Photo by Parallax Photography

Right before show week, I watched the last videos so many times and it was so difficult to enjoy it because we lost so much of the atmosphere of the dance as we weren't dancing with a backing track, we were dancing to a band version of the song. The last few days before Opening Night I was quite upset over how the dance turned out - but I'm so grateful that band got their act together and all the performers gave their heart and soul to the dance and made it really wonderful. In all honesty, it wasn't the cleanest dance and in terms of staging and technical level it wasn't that hard, but I'm glad cast enjoyed themselves. And hey, maybe next year I'll be back to make a harder dance. And I'll be stricter. And maybe we'll pull off something half as amazing as Opening Dance this year.

Cast of Med Revue 2016. | Photo by Parallax Photography

It's been a whirlwind of emotions and I'm glad I made it through my crazy 2nd week of May - but I miss it all the same. I hope some of the friendships I made will be the ones that stick with me and carry me through life - especially since I seem to be terrible at maintaining friendships.

See you on the other side of uni semester/exams - take care friends.

With love, Sarah x

Almost a month ago (yes I am very backlogged, and I have another half-written draft) my family decided to take a little day trip up to the Blue Mountains to see autumn leaves and pick some apples (literally). I wasn't going to go, except 10 minutes before they were meant to leave home I decided to get up and go with them. It was mostly a 'cram as much work in as you can during the car trip' and 'hey let's take lots of photos' kind of road trip, but it was fun either way and I'm grateful got to spend time with family during a time where I spent almost every day at uni or work.

I really like this photo. Unfortunately I cannot take credit for the photo taking part, just editing. | Photo by Katrina Wu

We hit up an apple farm to pick some pink lady apples (and devour some while we were in the orchard) before we headed off to find a place for lunch. The most interesting part of the day was the fact that we couldn't get into the Botanical Gardens, and we couldn't even get into a picnic area because the traffic was banked up and there were too many people.

The most ironic thing?

Most of them were Asian, and I can tell you from past experience there were not this many people heading to the area at the same time last year. It's crazy how something can be blown up on social media, especially when thousands of people in a particular region of a specific ethnicity send something viral. It's extremely powerful, and it was the cause of our traffic woes that one sunny day.

I actually love this photo - I saw the van and the first thing I said was "I need this shot".

After wildly suggesting that we drive to Lithgow, we ended up driving to Blackheath and my sister and I ran off to try things with our new DSLR camera - we had a bit of fun and some of it was a hit and miss, but here's what actually turned out alright.

I spent ages editing this one because I wasn't happy with the brightness/vibrance of it - but it worked out in the end. | Photo by Katrina Wu

Just casually rocking my leather jacket and new-ish Quay sunnies that I finally splurged on. | Photo by Katrina Wu

We also visited a smaller garden to see the infamous 'red leaves'. One thing that really frustrated me was how much noise our family friends were making in the garden, and I feel like this a common trend among young people who feel that their family act inappropriately and are not informed of the correct etiquette. The garden was a very peaceful space and all the noise disturbed the tranquil and serene atmosphere, and more importantly, my zen. We ran off from the main group just because it was nice to be in your own headspace with someone else who understood, and we managed to capture some interesting shots (although again, I can only take credit for the ones featured below).

Trying to take this shot made me realise how hard it can be to get the angles right.

It was a relaxing day overall and I'm glad I managed to get out and take some nice photos as I said I would in an earlier Tweet - and I'm looking forward to doing this more in the coming break. I have so many spontaneous moments where I want to jump into a car or on a train and just go somewhere with no aim but to explore somewhere new and capture some moments on camera, and it's so frustrating when I'm stuck at home or at uni trying to do something else. I also don't really have any travelling buddies if my sister is busy - but hey something always works out.

And just a side note - I'm constantly being astounded by the fact that people actually read my blog, even though I've put up two posts since the uni semester started. Don't get me wrong - I'm very grateful to have an audience and I can't thank you all from the bottom of my heart for sticking around this long.

Take care.

With love, Sarah x

As I head into some crazy weeks ahead with midsem exams, a lot of commitments and declining health (unfortunately I'm sick and it's not getting better), I just wanted to talk about relationships. And one type of relationship in particular - friendship.

I stumbled across a really interesting concept in an article which talked about the Limits of Friendship and Dunbar number when I was working on an assignment  on Social Networking Sites and the Friendship Assemblage last year - and as soon as I read it I knew I wanted to write something about it but I just never got around to it.

Now I'm going to throw a few numbers out there, so just bear with me.

The Dunbar number is actually a series of numbers to understand how we hold onto and maintain friendships:

• Absolute maximum of 1500 people who you can put a name to a face
• Up to 500 acquaintances
• 150 casual friends who you'd invite to a party
• 50 close friends who you'd see often but not consider them to be true intimates
• Your circle of 15 who are your friends you turn to for sympathy when you need it and the ones you can confide in
• And 5 intimate friends, your close support group, best friends, and often family.

I was really skeptical of these numbers and to be honest, I never gave it much thought, but as soon as I read this article my life made so much more sense - it's actually really true. Any more than 5 intimate friends becomes way too hard to maintain, and you have to let go of one to let in another. And it's forever changing - it's inevitable.
I've hit the point (once again) where I keep running into acquaintances and I cannot remember who they are or where I've met them and it's bizarre when they know exactly who I am and how they met me - it actually makes me feel terrible because I don't know who they are. One time a friend told me he wanted to go from 800 to 1000 Facebook friends by the end of the year and I was very confused - having 1000 Facebook friends isn't necessarily a good thing.

With social media it's so much easier to keep in touch with people that you cross paths with that would normally disappear - but how many of your Facebook friends do you consider as your actual friends? How many of them do you actually talk to, in real life or online?
I'm struggling to keep up with all my friends and different groups, and to be honest - it's exhausting. I want to spend time with them all but at the same time, sometimes it's too much for me and I really need time to myself. Sometimes this means letting go of other commitments, sometimes it means letting go of friendships, or a deeper connection to someone.
My friendships have changed a lot over the last few months, and I would like to think that's a good thing - although it inevitably means that the nature of other friendships is changing and evolving, like it always would. The truth is, you'll never fully let go of people once you've become so close to them for a period of time. They stay a part of you, and the memories you share will always be yours.

I was strangely sad about losing a train buddy and I was scared I would lose one of the most unlikely friends I've made ever - but as another good mate of mine said, I shouldn't be sad, I should be happy that I got to know them and spend some time with them. And it makes me glad that he still cares about me (because he doesn't care about many people) even though we're so many years apart and I barely even see him on a weekly basis now. He wants to join the army - I'm not sure how to feel about it, but he has my support.

I'll miss seeing him around though, much like all the friends I make at work who disappear a few months later to go travelling again. Maybe more.
I'm forever grateful for the close friends I made in high school - they still remain my close friends today and I know they've always got my back, even though our lives are all heading in such different directions. But I'm also really grateful for the three people that I've suddenly become close to over the last few weeks - they've been really great supports for helping me through difficult times and they've all constantly believed in me - and also heaps of fun to be around and I look forward to more fun times with them too. :)

With love, Sarah x

Images from Tumblr.

It's been a long time since I've sat down and written something (or even thought about how I'm feeling in a non-fleeting manner). I could blame the excessive number of commitments I have, or my inability to see that I need time for myself, or my natural attraction to programs that involve immersing myself, meeting new friends and heavy time commitments - but the truth is, I might just have liked being surrounded by people who are full of energy and happiness and are so willing to give up time and energy for something that they love.

And now I'm feeling the consequences.

They say you have your ups and downs, but you really feel the toll when you realise that you don't feel happy being with friends, but sitting in a room for hours on end trying to catch up on work doesn't make you feel satisfied either. I've had the most amazing time the last three weeks - there's been so many highs and lows, so many new skills that have been learn and many more that have been passed on and so many memories that I've made and will cherish forever.

I'll start with Yellow Shirts.

Lochlantis - the Double Squad that still exists after O-week.

Yellow Shirts (and O-week) was a truly life-changing experience - everything from staying in an unfurnished 2 bedroom apartment with 17 other people (this made it a massive slumber party which was amazing), to learning how to make fairy floss and snow cones, to talking to first years and hopefully making someone's day - it's the most amazing thing I've done so far and I've never cried so much in a week (good and bad tears). I'll remember all the spontaneous moments where we would dance and sing to our hearts content, all our banter and jokes and all the precious moments where we would talk about how we felt and anything that was on our minds and how it all brought us closer together. In a short 5 months, we became such close friends and these friendships are ones that I'll carry with me forever (or at least I want to).

Alantis. The best squad I could've ever asked for.

But I'll also remember all the not-so-good times - the ones that made me cry and the times I was tired and frustrated - but I'm so grateful that we didn't experience any major issues or major conflict as a squad/double squad. There were times during the week where I felt like I wasn't making a difference or connecting with any first years, and there were times where I just wanted to step away from responsibility even though I'd willingly signed up for it because I wanted the best for my double squad. I came crashing down on the second and third day, before things really turned around on the last two days (and subsequently I cried a lot on the last day too) but even though it was unfortunate about what happened early on in the week, it only made O-week more interesting and a more fulfilling experience to learn from. I had another issue, that wasn't related to my squad - but I managed to sort it out after O-week and this has only helped me grow as a person, even though I notice that I'm not quite myself when making decisions.


Yellow Shirts is something that will stay dear to my heart and it's something I definitely want to return to one day - and I'm so glad I made the effort to meet lots of other people even though I was so tired and lacking in social energy as early on as mid January because I just can't get away from them (in a good sense).

Ready to tackle O-week! | Photo: David Ho Photography

Onto the next thing - BSOC Camp (as a leader this time round).

I didn't really know what to expect, but I just hoped that it would be a good experience. We started prepping right after O-week on the Sunday, so I literally just could not get away from uni. We had some super cute group t-shirts which my camp group eventually appreciated - this was a relief since we spent almost five hours on them - and our camp group actually ended up bonding really well and are quite good friends too. It's so amazing being able to facilitate the bonding process and see people grow to be a part of a team, even if it's only over three days. I'm really looking forward to catching up with them and seeing where they go in uni - one's already joined Volunteer Army Platoons and quite a few of them are applying for subcommittees so I'm pretty excited!

So lucky to have had Jo (left) and Michael (middle) as my trio for my camp leader experience - I learnt so much from them and also had a pretty amazing time. | Photo: Selective Photography

The cutest camp group ever - the Magenta Meerkats. Also the winners. | Photo: Selective Photography

Lastly the third thing that has been taking up all my time, being a Volunteer Army Platoon Leader.

To be honest, I kind of applied on a whim. I wrote my application on my phone, sitting at a bus stop, and while I knew I would love to get this role, I wasn't desperate for it. And although this meant that I threw myself into one crazy thing after another, this one was really eye-opening and I can't see uni interviews the same way anymore - and the thing is I want to do it again. We were all thrown in the deep end in terms of the recruitment process and we had really strict deadlines to stick to, which made it even harder but brought us closer as a team. I've learnt a lot about dealing with conflict and making the best of what you have in this role, and I hope to grow as a leader as well. I'm also really lucky to have a co-leader who balances me out quite well - he can make decisions (I can't), he will stick to something and isn't easily swayed (I'm not) and he's super chill (and I'm the one always on the ball). It should be good though - there are moments when I have doubts about the people we chose but I trust Michael's judgement (and my own) and I really hope they gain what they hope to gain from it.

Michael and I are ready to take on anything. Bring on VA Platoons Sem 1 2016!

Like I said earlier, I've had the most amazing (and hectic time) the last three weeks, but now I really need to spend some time looking after myself and recovering. And what's better than giving yourself some time to do the things you enjoy again, just because you feel like it?

With love, Sarah x

It's the Year of the Monkey!

Two nights ago, I paid the Lunar Markets at Pyrmont Bay Park a visit with my Yellow Shirts double squad, Lochlantis. It's a bit far from the city, since you have to walk through Darling Harbour and further along to Pyrmont, but the trek was worth it. To be fair, we were driven to Darling Harbour, but hey you could still say it was still a trek from uni.
For anyone who is unfamiliar with the Yellow Shirts program structure, we have squads of about 9 with a leader, and then two squads becomes a double squads. Each squad has a name and each double squad's name is a combination of the two. My squad happens to be Atlantis, and the other squad is Lochness Monsters... which becomes Lochlantis. It still astounds me how quickly people can become friends in programs like Yellow Shirts and Revue... But that's for another time.

It was really hard to choose something to eat - it was hard to work out what I wanted to eat. After checking out all the stalls, I settled on Ramen Battered Chicken Burger with Miso flavoured popcorn ($14) from Everybody Loves Ramen.

Ramen Battered Chicken Burger with Miso flavoured popcorn (underneath the burger) from Everybody Loves Ramen.

It looks pretty funky with the pink glaze, but it tasted AMAZING. Despite having sweet, seaweed, fried chicken and curry, it somehow all worked and tasted really good. At first I was hesitant, since I didn't want to use my hands to eat something (and I got worried that it would get messy), but I have absolutely no regrets with that one.

The other thing that caught my eye were the Hong Kong Fish Balls, Iceberg Lettuce and Curry Gravy ($6) from The Star's Fat Noodle. This was much worth the price and it was delicious in every way (as expected). The only thing that disappointed me was that I didn't take a photo. Fat Noodle also had really long lines - and I was extremely lucky that one of my friends just happened to be at the front so I got him to order for me.

Someone ordered a Yakisoba Bun ($6.50 I think!) from Kiyamachi Tei and it was a decently sized meal for what they paid. I was very close to ordering Yakisoba before I thought that I should try the Ramen Battered Chicken Burger because it looked really cool.

Yakisoba Bun from Kiyamachi Tei. It tasted good.

For dessert, we were going to go to Black Star Pastry x N2 Extreme Gelato but generally it's expensive and there's not much to it. The Sago Pudding from Mini Pancakes caught my eye, but they looked like they had caramelised fruit in it and I wasn't too keen on it. But then we spotted Mango Sago Pudding ($4) from The Century at The Star... and let's say everyone there was converted to Mango Sago Pudding lovers.
There were a few other things that interested me like Waffles on a stick (there's a huge Lochlantis in joke about waffles), Chips on a stick and Hoy Pinoy's skewers - the last two are amazing, but I already tried them at the Night Noodle Markets last year so I didn't see the point.

We also got to try the Mini Pancakes because they were handing out samples, and they were nice. I can't remember how much they were exactly, but the price would've been worth it if I wasn't so full already.

A super cute display!

There was such a lovely vibe and I had good company, and since we went on a Tuesday night the lines weren't too long either. We also happened to go at the same time as Lily May Mac so some of us got super excited.

I love the rainbow coloured lights! It made everything so much nicer.

Five members of Lochlantis + Alex our squad leader.

Total Bill: $24
= $14 (Burger) + $6 (Fish Balls) + $4 (Mango Sago Pudding)

Food: 3/5
Price: $$
Service: 3/5
Ambience: 3/5

Details and Links:
During 4th to 14th February 2016.
Website: www.sydney.lunarmarkets.com.au
Location: Pyrmont Bay Park, Pyrmont


Happy Lunar New Year friends - gong hei fat choy! May you get lots of red pockets.

With love, Sarah x

January has come and gone, and the New Year and the time for new year resolutions has also come and gone. Most people will be doing their best to keep to their New Year's Resolutions, but personally I think it's best to have goals that you can start achieving at any time of the year because, let's be real, how many of us actually stick to all of our resolutions if they're made on a whim?

I was asked in late November/December at my internship what my New Years resolution was and all I could come up with was 'Be more active'. But it wasn't something that wasn't important to me before hand, nor is it something that I've managed to fully stick to (this heat is pretty demotivating). But since then I've worked out more or less what I want to do this year - and the person I want to become.

Originally I took this for my internship with RAW, but hey who says I can't use it here and give credits?

It's an interesting feeling going through your Facebook timeline from 2009 (Year 7, actual 12vie days) and realising how immature you were. That might sound obvious, but all I seemed to complain about was getting homework, being unable to do something called 'euler' for school and struggling to finish my assignments.

I've gone through and removed a lot from my timeline and it's just made me realised how much I've grown up and changed over the last seven years. It's funny to me to go through all those posts and status, but not so great when other people find them, especially since my Yellow Shirts Double Squad is so good at bumping posts and roasting people. It's also interesting since the way I used to use status updates is like Twitter today. Today it feels odd to be writing statuses about your life - Facebook is kept for sharing photos and sharing the big moments in your life. It makes sense that platforms like Snapchat and Twitter have popped up to fill that void.

But back to the point.

As one of my squad members for Yellow Shirts said:


And that's when I realised I'm driven by the same thing.

No not literally. | Photo by James Benning.

It's why I give so much time and energy to programs like Revue and Ruse Musical and hopefully Yellow Shirts and why I love being able to help younger students, even if it's just giving advice. Or friends too. And last year was the year that I needed to find my feet again, and although I'm disappointed that I don't get to be a Peer Mentor this year, I now know I wasn't ready when I did my interview. Same with Law Revue Producer. But at least I'll get help some first years out at BSOC Camp as a leader, and I can crash plenty of peer mentoring sessions. And most of the time you're actually quite unaware of how much you're helping someone.

But for now, I hope to become a little less serious all the time (it's working I think), a little more self-aware and better at listening. Hopefully I'll get better at bantering too, and I'll do things that I'm proud to look back on and realise how much they shaped me as a person. And although this sounds narcissistic, I hope I become a good role model too.

This was taken at the Meriton Apartments on Kent St when I stayed there a few weeks ago. It was a good night, and a really good experience with great people.

I'm so lucky to have had so many opportunities to grow as a person, to experience new things and to meet all these wonderful and diverse people, and I want to thank them all so much. But I know it's not possible. All I can do is pay it forward, and I hope you do too.

Feel free to drop me a question/comment if you need help with anything friends!

With love, Sarah x

PS: Andrew here's your shout out. ^_^

Did you ever groan and cringe when you were younger when your parents told you to stand somewhere so they could take a photo? Did you reluctantly walk over and vaguely smile to make them happy? Or did you just refuse?

I used to cringe and say no and make a fuss. Today, I still cringe inside but I oblige (most of the time). I still wonder why my parents don't understand the value of candid shots though.

Many years ago, when I was still in primary school, a family friend gave my sister and I each a photo album. At the time I didn't want it - I didn't know what to do with it and I didn't want it taking up shelf space in my room. When I was young, my parents took lots of photos and put them into albums - they're all somewhere in the house, numbered from 1 to something like 10. But as I got older, my parents became busier with work and driving my sister and I around to go to school, to dance classes, to swimming classes etc. they just didn't have the time or energy to do so and as a result there's a gap in physically printed photos placed (that alliteration) in albums for a few years... until now.

The beginning of the 2015 print out and photo album compiling. This is the photo album that I was given and I filled it up pretty quickly actually.

In my high school years, especially the last few with our last everything and graduation and formal, I tried to take more photos because I felt a need to capture moments so I could look back and remember, even if it's to remember my 12vie self and how immature I looked (but hey, we all go through puberty and make it to the other side). It's not really making up for all those lost years where you refused to let your parents take photos of you and they gave up, but it's a start.

The final week of high school. Yes there were a lot of photos taken.