Pages of An Old Diary

I remembered keeping diaries as a grader. I think I had about 3 diaries written in-between Grades 3 to 5. I saw it again inside my bedside drawer when I went home for spring break. All three of them had locks, and I while I couldn't open the other two (because I lost the keys), I managed to unlock the other diary, written when I was in fourth grade.



I laughed at the entries I wrote in there; about my terror teacher, the girl I didn't liked in class, and the boys who used to tease me. There were also some poems and short stories in there. One was about my terror teacher in Math (again) and a short story about girls and cooties.




I really had a ball laughing at my childish diary entries. I did outgrew some of my childish ways. I learned to deal with different kinds of people and get along with the boys. I did ended up being "one of the boys" who can play ball and climb trees with them. And that girl I didn't liked in school became my life saver in sixth grade, when she resuscitated me from drowning in the town river during summer break (many thanks to Hilary because of this). In short, life gives you unexpected things. It may be good or bad, but the best thing is, you do some growing up after experience.



I did outgrew my diary writing ways. I'm glad and still mortified that I kept them. I think this is a reminder of how far I've gone, and the childhood days when I was carefree and naive.



Reading my old diary did made me smile.

Confessions of a Fan Fiction Writer

I have a tiny confession to make:


I used to write fan fiction.


Yes, you've read it right, fan fiction. Back in my junior high to high school days, I would waste hours in front of my desktop computer in my bedroom, craft plots about my favorite "fandoms" (Harry Potter and some TV shows/novels), read other fanfics, and have a ball with my fellow fans who are so into the fandom as much as I do. The rush you get when people like your fanfiction is indescribable. It makes you feel that you're not alone in this craziness, and there are a lot of unseen online people who share it with you. Getting lost in the world of fan fiction writing is so addicting and fun.



But some things must come to an end. Along with my going away for college, I had to let go of some of my fangirl ways. I missed it for a while, but along with that, my mind cleared up and had lots of realizations. Not just with my fandom world, but with writing and life in general.


Here are some of them:




1. Good writing is always a must.



Whether you're writing your class essay or your fluffy fanfic about Harry and Ginny, good writing with clean format and right grammar is always appreciated. A lot of kids these days don't really pay attention to the technicalities of writing such as these, and yet, these are a reflection of your writing skills. Whatever you write about, make it right and easy to read. This will garner you more views for your fanfic/story and help you out in your future writing endeavors.




2. Give and take relationships.


What I learned from fanfic writing is not to let it revolve around only yourself. Read other works and give good feedback. Most likely, they will come to your page and check out your stories as well.

This is applicable with your high school friends as well. Learn to have a two-way communication of giving and taking, and these can make your friendships a success. It's more about bonding and showing compassion, more than what you can get from each other.


3.Once in a while, go out.


There's more to life than getting caught up in the world of fandoms and fanfic writing. It doesn't hurt to log out of the computer and go out. Make time with friends, do something else, or take a walk. This prevented me from getting too obsessive with my interests, as it made me realize that I don't want to be that kind of girl who doesn't have a life of her own.


Sometimes, you do fangirl because you feel bad or sad about something in real life. Fangirl for a while, but find ways to deal with your problems in a healthy way.



So there you have it, some basic realizations and things that fan fic writing have taught me. Everything in moderation, as with anything else. The important thing is, you're having fun in a good and clean way while learning.

Grow Up!

Grow up!

I've heard this phrase repeated way too often to us youngsters. Being young, wild, and free, adults would frown at our careless devil-may-care ways. People may think that all we ever do is have fun. But the truth is, we do care about our lives as well as the world around us.

I may be the typical college girl who parties and dates and hops on weekend road trips, but beyond that exterior lies someone who is serious about her future. I know that things won't be perfect, but at least, I'm doing something about it right now. Studying seriously and learning new things are two of the ways that's helping me do some "growing up".

Having to grow up doesn't mean that you just start acting serious and square all of a sudden. For me, growing up means:

-Taking yourself less seriously. We all had those moments wherein we felt so self-conscious about everything we do and say. We need to stop being so self-centered and worry that people are looking at us all the time. So let out that hearty laugh if the situation calls for it! Don't be so self-conscious, and just be yourself instead.


-Accepting responsibility for your mistakes. Mistakes are part of growing up. If you made a mistake, admit it to yourself and say sorry. Then don't do it again. A mistake committed more than thrice is already something you chose to do unconsciously.


-Thinking over the consequences. Before you say or do something, think of the consequences. If you want to rant online, think before it becomes viral. That's what I mean by thinking it over, and it doesn't only apply to the Internet.

-Being respectful. I know, there's just some people we really don't like for some reason. Treating them kindly isn't being two-faced, but rather, showing basic human kindness and respect. That will go a long way beyond your university life.

-Acting your age. This doesn't mean being serious! When you act and behave according to expectations, this means you don't stay stuck in being a whiny brat. You can be young, have fun, and still be responsible and mature. Like, you choose to study for exams week instead of partying beforehand.

Acts of maturity isn't always easy to do, but when you do get used to it, that helps you grow up a little.

Growing old is permanent, yet there are people who stay stuck forever in their childish ways. Make sure you grow old and grow up gracefully!

Stay smiling always, sweeties!