I need other people??

A picture my dad took in the Flinder's Ranges

The vast outback spreads out in front of me, in the distance I can see some mountains and I can hear the calls of birds nesting in the gum trees that block out the hot sun behind me. Besides the natural sounds of animals and the rustling of the leaves in the trees there is no noise. There is no one out here except me. I am alone and isolated and I love it.

They say in this modern society people don't get enough alone time or just quiet time where they have no music playing in the background or the television switched on. And apparently because of this more and more people fear being alone or just hate being in silence.

So I guess in this modern society I am an anomaly, I love being in silence and having some time to myself. Since I have gotten my licence I have enjoyed those 20-minute-or-so car trips where I am alone and can just think without distractions. It is probably because of this that I don't necessarily cling to other people or rely on them, sure I love being around people -the more the better, but I don't mind if I am by myself either. And sometimes if I have the choice to do something by myself or with others I will choose to just go it alone.

I always used to think school was one of those things I wouldn't mind doing alone. In fact when I was in year 9 or 10 I actually wished that I could be home schooled or have my own personal tutor so that I could do everything at my own pace and not have to sit there and be yelled at beause some idiots couldn't shut up or have to wait while the teacher explained something again because people weren't listening. I was also a very self motivated person so I used to think it would just be easier to be by myself.

As the years went by I kind of forgot about that desire as I adjusted to the social side of school better and as school got a bit harder. But still in the back of my mind I did calculate how much quicker I could do things if just left to myself or how much more productive I could be if I didn't have distractions. I didn't stop to think that maybe I needed these people around me and that maybe they were what kept me going.

Since I have been home studying I have realised that although I love being alone I do need people. Although they may not help me get better grades or be more productive and although I seemed to be the optimistic person in my classes it is having other people around that keeps me going and that keeps me motivated.

This was a shocking realisation for me. I had never realised how much I needed people, especially at school. I always thought that if it was allowed I would be fine going it alone. I never realised how having others around to joke with or to share my marks with or even to have someone around ask the teacher about a silly concept that she has already explained a billion times would actually help me out.

The lovely Endeavour Year 12 class.

So I guess this is where I admit to you all that I need people. And to all my fellow Endeavour Seniors I say thank you! I needed you guys to help me get through school and to do my best so thank you for all the random conversations, pay outs and silly questions.
I love you all and thank you for making me realise that I don't want to go through life alone.
Em.x