I recently had a conversation with someone about how to remember our time at university. If I’m honest, it sent us both into a bit of a spiral. But I think I have some solutions that apply broadly, and some more niche ones.
After some time sat with my parents, looking through their own time at university back in the day, I noticed a lot of similarities between the photos they took and ones I see of my own friends now.
This isn’t a suggestion that you live any particular way, nor is it an endorsement of any of the other options. Just a suggestion that whatever it is, be proud. This also isn’t for, or about, the future. It’s for you, now. And your kids, who are going to love it.
I’ve found photos from so many trips, and parties, and society balls. I’ve included some here with permission:
Now, for remembering your own time, don’t worry about picking a style, or using a camera. Shoot what makes you happy, and what doesn’t. Look for people, and places, and signs. Things that might changes after you leave, document them as they were.
Print your photos, get good quality ones that will last. Put them up on your walls if you want, but keep digital copies too if you want to reprint them down the line. Leave yourself notes while you remember, dates, names of people, locations and events are great. My parents remembered most people and why certain things happened but things escape with time. I know there will come a time when I can’t ask, and I might want to try and find some of these people or places myself.
One last thing. “Living in the moment” doesn’t mean never looking at your phone at all. Use it, take photos, give yourself things to look back on. Living in the moment shouldn’t require you to risk losing special moments. Our parents who lived in “the good old days without phones” took photos too, just on something else. Give yourself the chance to have the same fun I did with my parents over Christmas looking back at these photos and more. Take the photos, cherish them, you’ll thank yourself later.
Featured image credit: Christopher Boomer
Journalism student and photographer
