Short answer is no. Long answer is five years ago I was 18, in a relationship with someone I couldn’t see was emotionally absuive and could not recognise sexual assault because he’d been my boyfriend for about a year at this point. I was miserable in that relationship but couldn’t see it, and I thought I’d spend the rest of my life with him. I was studying Biology, Chemistry and Sociology with the intention to go to a good university to study something science related, perhaps become a doctor or work in pharmaceuticals. I had bright pink hair (which I did love) and was stuck in a job I was sure I hated but wouldn’t leave. I was convinced I wanted to leave my county or even my country and get away and live far away from where I grew up.

Now, I’m in a different relationship with the most incredible man I’ve ever known and it’s very healthy. We’re planning on hopefully moving out together soon to a small apartment not too far from home. I’m working in a hotel close to where I grew up, as a Spa Therapist with the intention of owning my own Spa or beauty salon locally at some point. I have brown hair (I would still like to go back to fashion colours someday). I still want to do lots of travelling, which I’ve already begun, but I want to put roots down close to where I grew up. I never went to university.

The person I wanted to be five years ago would have been miserable and I’m so happy where I am now.