To apply for the Chevening scholarship has been a lingering thought for me for the past 2 years, but I've never gotten to try to apply because of so many factors, but mostly because of fear. I have always feared that I may not be ready yet to apply, that my skills and knowledge is not enough, and that I'm not good enough. However, things changed this year, since I figured I'm not getting any younger, and this dream of mine to study in UK must be fulfilled before I turn 30. With that, I decided to fill in the application, created 4 essays, reconnected with my most favorite professor, and went to UKEAS for guidance for applications to different schools in UK... which leaves me to... Waiting.

In waiting for the things we want the most, the best thing to do is pray, and let God unfold his amazing plans before your eyes.


Love Always,

Nicole

3. 19 year old Nicole reads A LOT, while 24 year old Nicole is too lazy to finish a book.

These are a few of my favorite things.

I remember back when I was a senior Communication Arts Student in UST, despite mountainous levels of readings (I shit you not, we read A LOT) thanks to Media Law, Marketing, Thesis, and other subjects, I still manage to read a novel at least once a month! But the case nowadays is the opposite of how I was. I don't get to read that much anymore, perhaps because there's a lot of distractions (looking at you Facebook and Instagram!) that reading had lost its luster in my eyes? The last book I truly enjoyed was Kevin Kwan's Rich People Problems, and that was last May!

Although, I'm trying to kick that lazy-lack-of-focus ways, and go back to reading! Heck, I even hoarded some books from National Bookstore this weekend, to jump-start myself to reading a lot once again. As of this moment, I'm reading Kinsella's My (not-so) Perfect Life, which I will blog about once I finished it hahaha!

4. 19 year old Nicole is addicted to hats and beanies, while 24 year old Nicole... not so much.

THAT PINK BEANIE and how it almost ended a relationship haha!

People who are close to me would definitely attest to that. I used to collect beanies in different colors, from different brands. The first one that I had was a gift from my cousin, Lot while prancing our ways to the once-new Forever 21 store in Megamall. Since then, I can't get enough of beanies! It was my style staple back then, much like Spinelli from that cartoon called Recess.


But that was in my youth HAHAHA Thunder cats here, nowadays I only wear hats when necessary, like when I'm at the beach, or when it's extremely sunny. I don't feel comfortable wearing a beanie now, I feel as if my scalp can't breathe when I have a crocheted thing on top of it. Also, I don't wear beanies as much as I did before, because I think it makes me look so young, and people tend not to take me seriously :/

5. 19 year old Nicole is determined that Advertising is her calling, while 24 year old Nicole is still testing the waters.

Hmmm

Amongst the myriad of areas Communication Arts have, Advertising and Marketing are the subjects I love the most. I found it very intriguing, and fun, that I was certain that after finishing college I'll work in an Advertising agency right away.

But of course, that's not the case here. After graduating, I ended up working in a BPO for a real estate company called Amicassa Process Solutions, Inc., which was a far cry from my goal of being part of Publicis JimenezBasic's workforce. While working in Amicassa, I absolutely dreaded my work! I remember even thinking of bailing out, and just stop going to work hahaha! But the adult in me decided to strive, and work hard-and also, I have amazing colleagues that made everyday bearable.

Eventually I ended up in an Advertising agency, and from then on I've been employed to various companies in different industries. At a glance, to HR officers especially, a person who's been through 5 different jobs in 4 years is a red flag, and yes, I do understand where they are coming from. But come to think of it, if I hadn't gone through all those work, I don't think I'd be as adaptable and versatile, which is a good thing.

As of now, I enjoy my work in a production house, but who knows perhaps next year I'll be in London studying *fingers crossed*

6. 19 year old Nicole thought she'll most likely get married at 23, while 24 year old Nicole does not want to get married anytime soon.

Bling bling bling!

First and foremost, I've got nothing against people who got married or will get married at a young age, in fact I think it's really sweet, and fortunate to be able to marry your one true love sooner, in that way you get to spend more time with them. When I was 19, I thought I will end up marrying the guy I was with at that time, when I reach the age of 23. I remember thinking then, 'Ok so this is the plan, after graduating I will apply in an Advertising agency, while he'll work in his chosen industry. By the time I'm 23, and he's 26, we'll be able to climb the career ladder by then, and eventually get married'. Just thinking about that made me want to laugh right now hahahaha! I didn't even incorporated my dream of studying in London in that plan, I was just fixated on choosing to want to be with the guy in the future.

Fast forward to 5 years later, I have no plans of getting married anytime soon. Currently I'm in a loving relationship, but marriage is not in the near future for me and my boyfriend. I mean, sure I do get excited in thinking about weddings, especially in designing how my future wedding gown will look like (with a beaded hooded cape, of course!), but that's just it hahaha! For me, at the moment, the only commitment I'm investing on right now is to find opportunities to be able to study in London. Marriage can wait, but my dreams can't.

Me, in every wedding.

There are still a lot of changes between the skinny, naive, but fiercely determined 19 year old Nicole, and the always hungry 24 year old Nicole, but I'd narrow it down to this 6 only ;)

Love Always,

Nicole