I can still somewhat remember the evening I got into university. It was in February, I think. Nothing extraordinary. I remember walking from the living room and into my room, plopping down at my desk. I opened my laptop, and there it was, sent just a few minutes ago. An email from the University of Amsterdam saying that I had been accepted for a master’s programme.
My first reaction was to stop breathing, I think. This was the university I wanted to go to. The programme I wanted to be in. I couldn’t believe it. I remember cracking my bedroom door open and very softly going: “I got in”. No one heard or understood me at first. My mum was in the dining area and could see me. My brother was around too. I said it again, louder: “I got in!”
And suddenly, there was chaos. My dad came running out of his room, my mum was ecstatic, and my brother was congratulating me. Suddenly it went from a not-so-extraordinary evening to the evening I got into university. There were calls, happiness, and pride. My parents were proud. It made me proud. I was so, so happy. I was terrified, yet happy. It was a new beginning. I was going to move, start a new life, and specialise in my study and career. It felt exhilarating.
I wish I remembered that evening better. I wish I remember exactly how my mum’s face lit up, or my dad’s exact words, or my brother’s exact quips.
I don’t know, I guess I’m just feeling nostalgic tonight. It’s been over a year since I’ve moved to Amsterdam and over a year since I’ve been attending this programme. I’m learning incredible things and discovering interests I didn’t know were possible. I have some of the best role models and supervisors, some of the kindest and most motivating classmates, and some of the greatest opportunities. Everything’s possible right now. And it’s incredible.
Memoirs of a Muse 