end of an era

Its been almost a year.

I still remember the interview, the assessment, the first day. Getting to know the people around you whilst in training. Digesting all the insane amount of information and thinking, "how on earth do people do this shit as if there's no pressure at all?"

I still remember how as days passed, cliques begin to form; how u always have lunches with certain people after flitting from a group to another, trying to find one that matches u best.

I still remember how we got separated into smaller groups for "hands on" practice, and then how once training was over, we got divided into teams, finally joining the sharks in the big bad world.

I remember how cold it used to be in winter, going back and forth from work was always such a pain because of the bitter chill. Oh, but the snow! The snow was lovely.

I remember all of these, and I doubt that I will ever forget. As much as I moan about working in the place, it made up the working part of my life in the UK. This was where I started. This was where I began building my life.

But as they say, all good things must come to an end. And today, was my last day at work.

I've kept it really quiet, and asked my manager to do so. But the cheeky bastard, along with the rest of the team bought me a huge tin of Millie's Cookies and a card.

I nearly cried. See, now there was a reason why I wanted to keep things low key.

But to be very honest, I really really appreciated it. They've managed to keep it low key, yet did a little something to mark the occasion.

And then word leaked out.

And by the end of work, everyone was giving me hugs with encouraging words.

Ah...

Today was the last time I did what I've done for the past year. And probably the last time I will ever see some of the people whom I've gotten to know well.

It is the end of an era.

This marks the closing of a chapter of my life really soon; one which I simply wish will never end. For in the few years of my life here in UK, I grew up, learned a few valuable lessons, discovered myself, and found peace with myself.