Today’s Quarter Life Epiphany Brought to You By: Roisin
Roisin is a 22 year old English girl, whom after graduating university, packed her bags and headed off to become an Au Pair in Paris for the year. Now back in England, Roisin is beginning her Masters degree at University of Oxford, where she will be delving into all things Medieval. When not in the books, Roisin is frequently blogging about her various travels, and during her au pair year, opened the world of Paris with its hidden gems to all – and she continues to do so.
My name is Roisin – I have just moved back from Paris after living there for the year as an Au Pair. Whilst there, I documented my various travels and love for the city on my blog – offering insights into the must do secrets of the city. As of late September, I will be heading to the magical city of Oxford to begin studying for my Masters degree.
What advice would you give yourself at 20?
Even though I’m only 22, I still have a lot of advice that I would give my younger self! Firstly, to stop worrying about the future and things that are out of your control. Throughout life, we all experience difficult moments, and I would love to be able to tell myself that everything will turn out fine! Secondly, not to go anywhere without your camera. Sometimes I get a little shy to have my camera out, worried that I am annoying people, but at the end of the day – who cares! There are always unique things to capture, and I would urge myself to not be afraid.
What does a quarter life epiphany mean to you?
A quarter life epiphany to me is something that happens to cause a change in the way you think – a revelation. Whether it be of your view points or decision to change an aspect of your life.
What was your quarter life epiphany?
My quarter life epiphany occurred during my last year at University. As for many students, this can be an incredibly testing time. It was during this time that I hit some rough patches, which even I didn’t think I would be able to pull through. After years of non-stop studying and examinations, it was during this testing period that came my quarter life epiphany – I decided I had to have a break – and I did just this. The acknowledgement that I needed to take time to care for my mentality and enjoy the world, led me to pack my bags and head out to Paris to become an au pair for the year.
How are you different now than before your quarter life epiphany?
My experience after my epiphany has differently changed who I am as a person, so much that it seems an impossible task to write it all down!
I think having my year out of education really helped strengthen my mental state, and demonstrate that I can be ‘worry free’ in life! This year I learnt the tools and ways of thinking that will help me throughout my life. I also definitely matured as a person, and demonstrated to myself how much more independent I am than previously thought.
I also learnt so much about a different culture, and learnt a new language! It’s hard to believe that this time last year I could barely say a phrase in French, whereas now I am able to just about read books with little difficulty and can enjoy a conversation in French!
My year in Paris was certainly the best year of my life, and I have no regrets. I met some of my best friends; and I fell deeply, and madly in love with this beautiful city. Through such experiences, only then could I truly begin to see what I am like as a person outside education.
What advice would you give to others who want to make a major change in their life?
I say go for it. If there’s something not feeling right in your gut, follow your instinct; otherwise you’ll only regret it in the future. We only have one life here on earth, so we should be doing the things we love. Depending on your age, sometimes being selfish is the way forward. If whatever major change you’re hoping to take doesn’t work out, then that’s fine! Life is meant for making mistakes and learning who were as people. Such events will only make you stronger, and show your life path much more clearly.
When traveling, I always miss…
Home comforts – being on the sofa in my pajamas with my cat!
I REALLY want to visit…
Iceland – I am absolutely desperate to visit. Numerous family and friends have been there, and everyone has amazing things to say about this magical country. Ideally, I would like to go during the best time to see the Northern Lights – it’s a dream of mine to be able to go there and photograph it.
Best packing tip?
When packing really think hard about what you need. I struggle most with packing clothes and end up taking five pairs of skirts etc., for a weekend away. Planning outfits in your head before hand will really help with this, and if you know you’re not really going to use something then leave it at home. Making sure you don’t over pack also means that you can always bring goodies back with you!
Favorite place to live?
Without a doubt Paris. The food, lifestyle and culture – what more is there to love! After moving there for the year, I fell completely in love and hope to be able to call Paris my home once again.
Visit Roisin at her blog here: www.roisingrace.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/roisin_grace
Instagram: https://instagram.com/roisin__grace/
A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!
