I might not have much self-esteem but I sure have proven a heck of a lot to myself over the past couple of years. I'm the sort of person who once they have in their mind that they're uncomfortable with something or can see the negative more than the positive, they would rather not put themself through it, so to avoid the tension and nerves I know there's a high probability I will feel. That said, I know what matters in life; education, travel experiences, money and love. With that in mind I've decided to push myself, and realised that I needn't worry as much as I have done in the past. I can do what I want, I can achieve what's important to me, I can make something of myself.

Education: I was nervous about going to university at 17, largely because of my age but also because it was my first time entering such an adult environment and I was doing so completely alone. I'm glad I did though, because seeing my grandparents and parents express how proud of me they were on Graduation Day is a feeling I can't describe. It's the first time we really celebrated me.

Travel Experiences: I travelled by myself around the world this year, stopping in London, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and America. Travelling gave me new found confidence in myself that I really needed. It showed me I can be "popular" by being myself and that I don't need to put on a front for people to like me. I managed to budget all my finances, plan all of my travel and accommodation by myself and it really showed me how capable I am. When I have noone to help me, I can manage! Not only that, I can make sure I have a damn good time!

Money: Since my travels I've tried really hard to get myself on the career ladder, and finally my hard work has paid off. After extensive testing and interviews, I landed my first real job which I started on the 3rd of December. Training is intense, and I have no background in this job sector, but I'm already proving myself and have been told I'll be "a real credit to the VSC". Now, it's early days but if I keep this up I don't see why I wont progress in some way with this job. This is opening up a whole bunch of new options for me.

Love: This is so important to me. My family have supported every decision I've made this year, and I can't thank them enough for it. Any pressure I felt is now gone, because I know I'm doing what they want me to, and luckily it's just what I want to do too. I'm so thankful for my boyfriend, because I know that without his love and support I wouldn't feel half as good about myself as I do now. This Christmas is ours, in every way, shape and form. I can honestly say, this is the most excited about Christmas I can ever recall feeling. I love you, Michael Kelly.