I wasn’t able to reach the exact future I had dreamed of as a child, but I know now that the hardships and failures on the way all counted

My first year out of school was not the easiest. I was lost, full of yearning and big dreams.

I didn’t realise the ways in which my time at school had been containing my anxiety. I was too busy, along with all the other girls, being excited about the future. School and its expectations were there to be railed against, and teachers and rules are to be left far behind. Bring on the future! I would leave home and move to the city to study! I would perform in plays! How thrilling! And wonderful!