Suddenly Professional

I never thought I'd be at this stage so soon in my life. I go to work, I get things done, I send emails, I have meetings and I write articles and reports. I have fun, but I do feel like I'm doing very important work. I suddenly feel rather... professional, for the lack of a better word. 

When I was still in school, I had never thought that at 21 I would have my own desk in an office, doing a job I absolutely loved while being rather locally well known in this particular 'industry', if you can call it that.. When I was still in school, I would never have dreamed I would be taking things so seriously at 21. I have my daily routines, I set work tasks to complete every day and I am more productive than I ever was in school.

My mother likes to joke that education is wasted on children, as often they don't enjoy it, let alone seek it out. Yes, there were always the kids who studied non-stop, but that wasn't out of wondrous curiosity, but more for the grades; the letter, number or piece of paper that told them that they did well. There was no sense of wonder of the things you've learned, no sense of completion and joy once you understood a topic. 

My job involves learning more every week. Every article I write requires research and I do enjoy the process. Taking notes, learning things that will make me better at my job, all the information I can possibly learn is at my fingertips, a search or an email away. I do have a sense of wonder now. As a child, yes I was curious, but school was a drag. I did not enjoy it in more ways than one. It was too grade-focused and I never did very well in my exams. My love of learning was crushed my meaningless scoring. 

But now, I have found myself. I have gone through many jobs within the past few years, trying to find the thing for me. I have gone through personality changes, mindset changes; I have changed in ways that make the sky seem more blue and the fruit seem sweeter. That may make no sense whatsoever, but I do truly believe the world looks different when you're happy with yourself.

Every 'low' grade meant I simply learnt that there was more to life than grades. I was right, of course. I don't have a degree, but I have my specific set of skills that I have gained from work and life experience. Saying 'yes' to everything means I get to experience everything. I make a point to do that at every opportunity that is present to me.

Maybe I am young, stupid, naive and this may sound completely silly when I grow up more, but right now, I am really very proud of myself... However, it is a strange feeling to know I am so different.