Navigating life after high school
It’s finally your turn to savour this long break after SPM. I still remember in my junior years; I would always feel jealous looking at my seniors’ activities during this break. Usually, your post-SPM ‘holiday’ can either be your best moment or one of the most boring ones, there’s no in-between. So, I’m here to give you some ideas on how to make this period one of the most meaningful times of your life.
1. Enjoy
It’s as simple as the title, just enjoy. You’ve been working so hard these past few years, especially with the pandemic, a few months off from studying won’t hurt =D. Do the things you’ve been dying to do before. You like games? Play it all night. You like dramas? Binge-watch all of them, you deserve every single bit of happiness after these hectic years. If you have the capabilities, treat yourself, buy that dress that kept on appearing in your dreams, go to MPH, and buy that novel that you’ve fantasized off. During my time, me and my friends spent almost the whole day, every day playing Pro Clubs on FIFA 2021 and Battlefield V after midnight, it was undoubtedly one of the best times I’ve ever had. Go on, have fun.
Just one reminder tho, you’re still a teenager, not a hooligan. Don’t mix up enjoying your life with ruining your future, there’s a clear difference between those two.
Lepak je, have fun, let your inner child enjoy their moment.
2. Get yourself some ‘bragging rights’
Bragging rights? It’s simply just a term that I used to describe things that you can do, learn, or even enjoy, but at the same time, you can proudly tell it over and over to multiple audiences without it being lame. If you like musical instruments, there are plenty of YouTube courses to pick from. You can always go around and brag about being able to strum a guitar, trust me, it will never get boring. In my case, my bragging rights include being able to lose 38kg after SPM, and I’ve never felt so confident before. So, do what makes you happy, and gain yourself more things to be proud of.
3. Keep your memories somewhere safe
This is something that I regret starting late. Vlog yourself. Yes. Record your life, every single accomplishment, big or small. At the end of the day, it is always good to see how much you’ve progressed, or when you’re sad, sometimes those mini vlogs can cheer you up or even motivate you. You don’t have to post it, just keep it for your own view. Not just that, best apa nanti dah tua can relive that memory =D.
4. Don’t forget to do research on your career path as well
Before we move to the more important stuff, although you guys wanted to enjoy yourself, please spend at least 10 minutes a day researching your future. There are even lots of tips on how to decide on your path, written by other scholars on this page. Do check them out!
Let’s dive into some more serious ways to make your break even more memorable, shall we?
1. Filter your circle
Having a huge circle of friends isn’t always a good thing. For me, this post-SPM break is the best time to cross out some toxic relationships you have with your ‘friend’, mainly because it is soo much easier as you don’t have to see them every day, unlike when you’re in school. You should only prioritise friendships that benefit you. Having a quality friend that you can joke around with, while at the same time, expressing your feelings when you’re down, is truly a blessing that most people tend to overlook. To know whether he/she is the right one, you should never feel embarrassed or even scared to show your true self around them.
Society tends to judge people like this as antisocial or even selfish, but you need to remember that only you know yourself the best. Although it’s hard to do in the first place, I can assure you that your future self would do anything to thank your old self.
It’s very cliché but, one true friend is better than a million friends.
2. Learn some crucial skills
Any skills. Learn as many things as possible. Microsoft Excel and simple coding would put you at an advantage over others. Being able to stand out would allow you to explore multiple opportunities. For those looking to pursue your studies abroad, it would be a huge benefit for your personal statement if you manage to master these skills.
Not just that, life skills and common sense should be your priorities too. To put it into perspective, no one likes a genius who doesn’t know how to talk politely with other people. Try to make yourself presentable to others. Learn simple things, for example, learn how to clean after yourself. Though it seems simple, you will be surprised to see how disgusting someone can be living without their parents. It’s the simple things that we seem to forget often.
3. Learn to say no
This is the hardest step for me, particularly because it involves other people as well. Learn how to say ‘no’. Personally, I still haven’t mastered it yet but the way I do it is simply by lying. Say that you’ve some other kinds of stuff to do. Though it seems like a douche move, if it keeps your mental health on par, it is always justified to do so.
Not only that, try going on a solo date, you would be surprised to see how calming it is. It’s just you and yourself, no other people. Take this moment to reflect on yourself and rejuvenate your mind ;).
In the end, for some of us, this break after SPM would be the longest break you will ever have until you’ve finished your degree. So, it is very crucial to realise how important it is to enjoy and make use of it to the fullest. Just remember that you are the only person who utterly understands yourself, let your interest decide what you want to do. Never, ever force yourself to do something that you hate or dislike.
Just want to plug it here, if you are still unsure about your passion, have a look at my other blog, I have a great story to tell you guys over there (I’m sure the link is somewhere below here so do as you please HAHA)
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