Why, hello there Internet, it's good to see you again. Me? I'm Josh...from before? You know me! I spent hella' (a lot of) time on you in my teenage years, editing and re-editing my Myspace page, logging in and out of my MSN account to get that one person to notice I was there and downloading music via Limewire. It was like a completely different world.
This thought occurred to me the other day as I was getting the skinny (getting to know) on my fellow History freshers. They are all 18 or 19 years old, which I expected as that is, after all, the normal age to attend university. What I did not anticipate, however, was the fact that I am not "with it" anymore. I don't recognise any of the bands being discussed, I have less than 100 photos on Instagram, I'm not up to date on conspiracy theories (apparently they are all the rage now, or 'on trend' as the cool kids say) or political views and I don't understand a lot of the language.
Now, don't get me wrong. This isn't an "Oh, I'm old and feel sorry for myself" post. It's just that I have always thought I was still quite up to date with the kids of today (Jesus, did I really use that phrase?). With me starting university in less than 4 weeks, it did get me a little nervous, as it can be quite hard to blend in when you aren't sure if your classmates are talking about a new band or an unfortunate viral infection (also equally likely to be a band name to be honest). I was worried that I would be sussed out and identified as the fraud I am. University is a daunting prospect no matter what age you are, so the added worry of the age difference has had me, well, worrying.
But then I thought to myself...is it important? I mean, yes, I am 7 or 8 years older than the rest of my classmates, and there will be a generation difference. That said, it's just one more problem that can be overcome. I am still pretty witty and, thinking about it, I'm not actually that old. Sure, I might not have any SWAG's to speak of, and my use of modern lingo might be a little whack, but I'm sure I'll get by. It's just something else to learn over the next few years, right?
So, here's my message to all the 18 and 19 year olds who are getting ready for what comes next, be it university, work or anything else. It will always be scary, it will always be daunting and you will always doubt yourself and consider backing out. My advice? Stick with it. If everything in life was easy, nothing would have meaning. The things that seem hardest are usually the things that shape you as a person and prepare you for the rest of your life.
So, tie those High Tops, wear that cap Ash Ketchum style and strike your best 'start of an epic adventure' pose, because it most certainly will be.
See you on the other side!
Geronimo!!!
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