Every year, I look forward to New Year’s Eve and the start of a new year. One reason why might be rooted in the year 2012, when people believed that the new year was going to be the end of the world. I remember vividly my relatives who traveled from across the world sitting with my family in the living room watching a live broadcast to see if the world was actually about to end. Did I really think that would be my last day alive? No, and the idea didn’t actually sink in until the very last minute, at 11:59pm of 31st December 2012. Can anyone relate to this? (I swear my family’s not that dramatic, we’re a lot of fun.)

As you can probably predict, on 1st January 2013 everyone in my family was relieved that the world wasn’t ending yet. There was still hope for humanity.

Flash forward – the next year that started off badly was 2017. You might think I remember the years easily, but I don’t. It was just too memorable for me to forget. Now, you should know my dad came from a large family where he had 10 sisters. In a large household, there is often jealousy and rivalry among the children. That stayed consistent even when they grew up; there was always an argument in the family Christmas party that we have every year. 2017 started off with one of the biggest arguments between my aunts, and grudges from that are still around today.

Believe me when I say coming from a large household shows you how everyone can be so different individually but yet still resemble each other. We can’t just assume that someone will be like something, because everyone can think and be differently. What is really defined as normal and what is not?

Hop into 2021, I’ve been living at a sibling’s since winter break. From this, I’ve realised how difficult it can be when someone gives you constant stress and judgement. They nitpick on the smallest things I do and interrogate me even when I’m sharing good news. It’s a love-hate relationship; although I get easily frustrated, when they express their affection and care for me, I realise it’s just how they are. It is what it is. However, it is difficult, but I’m trying to stay calm and feel grateful that at least I have a sibling in UK, and I am here with them. (That’s what everyone seems to be telling me, so it’s time I also tell myself that right?)

Editor’s Note: This has been a difficult year for all of us. If you need support with a difficult time at home or in St Andrews, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can speak to friends or family, or get in touch with dedicated help from places like Nightline or Student Services. Look after yourself and each other!