The Girls Behind the Dreamers Pause

You know that dream college you’ve always wanted to attend? That was me. I had my heart set on this beautiful private college that I’d been dreaming about for ages. And you know what made it even more special? It was the only one that accepted me, and it did so immediately—like, right after I applied. No long waiting periods, no endless anxiety. Just a simple, “Congratulations, you’re in.” It was fast, it was reassuring, and it felt like my dream was finally coming true.

But then, reality hit hard. The fees were way beyond what I could afford. I tried to find ways to make it work, like applying for bursaries, but the ones I found only funded other courses, not what I wanted to pursue. So, I had to let go of that dream, at least for now.

But I didn’t let it stop me. Instead of sitting at home feeling defeated, I decided to turn my gap year into something meaningful. I made a plan: take short courses and get a part-time job to build my skills and keep moving forward. After all, staying at home doing nothing wasn’t an option for me. I didn’t want to be a “free domestic worker” or housekeeper—I wanted to do something that felt productive and aligned with my goals.

Then, something exciting happened! I applied for a program offering short courses similar to what I want to do, and they accepted me. The only condition? I have to attend a free four-day job seekers workshop to confirm my registration. How amazing is that? I’m so excited about this new opportunity—it’s not exactly the path I envisioned, but it’s a step forward, and I’m grateful for it.

Now, I just need to let my parents know about my plans and make sure they’re on board. Communication is key, right? This workshop is my chance to learn, grow, and take another step closer to my dreams. It’s not the perfect scenario, but I refuse to sit still and let life pass me by.

Here’s to making the most of what I’ve got and turning this gap year into a year of growth and opportunity!

Until next time,

The Girl Behind The Dreamer’s Paws

The Girl Behind the Dreamers Pause

So, this is finally happening! After what feels like forever, I’m going out—but here’s the twist: this time, it’s not with friends. Instead, I’m tagging along with my cousins. Yep, my high school cousins.

Let’s get this out of the way first: I’m 19. My cousins are 16 and 15, and honestly, that feels like a crime against nature because they somehow seem older than me. Like, how does that even work? But hey, we’re rolling with it because today, we’re heading to the beach!

Now, let’s address my mini-crisis leading up to this. What would I wear? I don’t exactly have a closet full of beach-friendly outfits, and I didn’t want to look like the “mom cousin” either. I wanted something youthful, fun, and comfortable. After a borderline meltdown and digging through my clothes like I was on a treasure hunt, I found the outfit. Thank God, because looking the part is half the battle, right?

But let’s be real, the beach isn’t just about the outfit. It’s about the vibes—and I can’t wait to dive into those vibes! I’m looking forward to fighting (playfully, of course, because who doesn’t love a good cousin squabble?), eating some fast food, and just soaking up the energy of being out and about. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, I’ll meet someone interesting there. I mean, the beach is as good a place as any to stumble across a potential B.O.Y. friend, right? Hey, a girl can dream.

Sure, I’m older, but today, I’m determined to bridge that gap. I want to laugh at their silly jokes, prove I can still keep up, and maybe even remind myself how fun it is to just let loose. I hope I can balance being the cool older cousin while still enjoying that middle ground where I don’t feel too grown.

So here’s to a day of sunshine, fries, fun, and maybe even some unexpected surprises. Here’s to making memories, finding those little moments of connection, and hopefully not feeling like I need to “act my age” too much. Ooh, it’s gonna be fun. I hope.

Until next time,

The Girl Behind The Dreamer’s Paws