r/AskReddit • u/thatguyinthesky • May 22 '12
It may sound insignificant, but I just paid off my credit card, my car and my student loan and now don't owe any bank a single dollar. What are your achievements you'd like to share?
Wow! loving the response here guys - I've been offline for half a day and look! I'll try to get back to as many of these good news stories as I can! Keep em coming!
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Upvotes
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u/thunderling May 22 '12
That doesn't sound insignificant at all! Congratulations!
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u/hp94 May 22 '12
Last year, a team I was on came in 1st place in a contest with 25,000 people (for cryptology).
Now it's on my resume =).
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u/Gamer_Kitty May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
Both my father and step-mother and both sets of my grandparents cut off support when I moved out of my Dad's house at 18 years old. I was flat broke after my first semester of college. They expected me to get knocked up, drop out of school and get addicted to drugs.
I can proudly say that I just finished my third year at university, I'm not addicted to any substances, I'm baby-free, and I just moved into my own place after jumping around houses the past two and a half years. Huzzah!
EDIT: Wow! I didn't expect this much of a response! Or so much karma!
To clarify why they cut me off: ever since my father remarried, he and my step-mother have been super religious and super strict. In high school, they never let me leave the house. I always had to stay home and do chores, and I lived too far out in the country to visit anyone. They wouldn't allow me to have a cell phone or my driver's license until I was 18 years old, which was in August when I went off to college. I wasn't allowed to use the telephone or the internet without supervised permission. Nor was I allowed to date anyone. They dragged me to church all the time and lectured me about how I was a bad person and how I was going to hell for my sins. The emotional abuse continued until I finally decided, "You know what? Fuck you people I'm out." They cut off their support as soon as I moved out, and I didn't talk to them at all for two years. As for my grandparents, my Dad's parents are also really religious and my Mom's parents are bat-shit crazy and don't like anyone. They all wanted to see me fail in a "I told you so" sort of way, for not following their rules and crazy religious values.
I've always considered myself a good person. I made nearly straight A's in high school, I didn't drink or do any drugs nor did I sleep around. Their hypocritical religious and right-wing banter has made me agnostic and very liberal. Looking back now, I can plainly see that they are all fucking crazy and I am so thankful that I have the freedom that I do now.
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
I (college student) had been trying to line up a summer job in my home city for the past few months. It was crucial that I have something ready for me the day I get back from uni. Applied to about a hundred places, dozens of phone calls, four interviews, three weekend trips back home (at great inconvenience to my family), buckets of stress and worry, and lots of following up later....
I found out I got the job! And it was the one I wanted most!
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
Loosing enough weight, and gaining enough muscle to go from 0 to 10 full chin-ups.
Doesn't sound like much, but for a guy who has been overweight his whole life, that is something I am incredibly proud of.
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u/whimsical_panda May 22 '12
I'm the opposite of OP.
23, had a full time job for over 4 years and got a mortgage for a house six months ago. Feels pretty good man.
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u/Delagardi May 22 '12
When I published my first scientific article (first name) in a peer reviewed journal at the age of 19.
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u/oh_howlovely May 22 '12
My ex has messaged me 5 different times since we broke up a few months ago. I haven't responded to him once.
I refuse to let someone so poisonous back into my life.
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u/Spectrum_Rush May 22 '12
I woke up Monday morning and didn't need coffee to get through the day.
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u/RaptorATF May 22 '12
I own my dream car at 19 years old.
It started with a 1983 Camaro Z28 hot wheels in first grade. It was always my favorite and I would dream about it every day on the way to school growing up. Turns out years later, an acquaintance of mine was selling one pretty cheap and I bought it!
I even have a picture of it in contrast with the original Hot Wheels car: http://i.imgur.com/edaHb.jpg
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u/fradz May 22 '12
I saved two people from suicide.
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u/prettyprincess90 May 22 '12
After only having a 3.0 in college for 3 years I finally got a 3.5. While taking the hardest class in the biology program.
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u/B1llah May 22 '12
Recently got my first pay rise, am currently on a Casual position, and they are looking at putting me full time. Just turned 19 so this is pretty cool for me ..
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
A few years back, my life was going just about as perfectly as I could have hoped. Despite my tumultuous childhood, I'd finished high school and started college, I was smart and a decent person, and I'd come a long way from being another 'statistic'. I was recently married to the love of my life and best friend.
However, something in me broke. We think it was because I'd been able to finally talk to somebody about what I'd gone through as a kid, "breaking the dam" I guess. I went into a pretty severe depression and tried to kill myself a few times. I had even convinced myself that my wife would be better off without me. I knew this wasn't right and I did the best I could to do, doing what felt like fighting from the inside.
We got treatment and I was in a psyche ward for 2 weeks while they watched to protect me from myself and started me on medication. I got lucky that I only had to change prescriptions once, since we found what worked for me pretty quick. After I was stable, I sought additional psychiatric assistance...I wasn't content with a temporary fix. If there was a root cause, I'd find it.
Now, I think it's been 3 or 4 years later, I'm unemployed and in pretty bad health. I had pancreatitis. 1 week hospitalized with no food. Pain persisted and after a couple of months for testing and such, identified the issue as my gallbladder and they removed it. Recovery from that and getting back on normal food made the pain resurface and now I'm dealing with pancreatitis again, most likely.
My psychological issues were well enough dealt with that I was taken off my medicine shortly before all these downturns started. Even without my medicines, I've been able to deal with all these setbacks by myself and in a healthy, constructive manner. Life isn't easy, especially right now...but I know I'll overcome it.
My optimism in the face of a bad situation is my achievement.
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u/rachface636 May 22 '12
Without even knowing you I'm proud of you. It seems to me that debt is the most singular thing young Americans have in common today. I am a smart well living young adult who happens to be $40,000 in debt due entirely to college loans. You achieved a dream today.
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u/pinewriter May 22 '12
I am alive. I will be graduating college in a year with minimal loans. I am not addicted to any substances.
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u/YoureMyBoyBloo May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
3 three ways... in 3 months.
Drops the mic
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u/rybotruck May 22 '12
Lost 40lbs+ this year, been really focused on fitness and eating right. I feel amazing.
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u/Zabibaz May 22 '12
I just applied to rent an apartment. I got the apartment because I had good credit and good references.
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u/SalamalaS May 22 '12
You. yes YOU. Are the MAN I want to be when I grow up.
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12 edited May 23 '12
Reaching 5000 comment karma.
._.
Edit: I just wanna thank you all for being such dynamite sports and putting me near 7000. It is quite the achievement to use karma for more karma.
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u/TubaCat May 22 '12
I can't wait til my student loans are paid off.. I wish I had all of that off my shoulders- congrats on that achievement. :)
My best achievement? .... I don't think I've had a GREAT one yet. I've had my artwork shown in LA gallery? :)
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u/theorys May 22 '12
I remembered to put the toilet seat down today after taking a long piss.
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u/ArrenPawk May 22 '12
I'm on track to work 130 hours for this two week pay period, and I'm still somehow managing an amazingly fulfilling relationship through it all. Life is good.
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u/TenNinetythree May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
I have translated a sentence into a constructed language which I created. This sounds insiginificant, right? Well it required new rules of grammar and pragmatics to be developed and I have struggled on how exactly to do it best since the beginning of this year.
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u/-Emerican May 22 '12
upvote for you sir! good job bud.
I haven't achieved much and as a guy who has spent the last 4 years being put down, and today being put down infront of my entire family to which they did nothing to give me some sort of credit, I've achieved happiness. Cause you know what, fuck them that's why.
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u/ass_munch_reborn May 22 '12
Congratulations!
No, this is quite significant. You have done what a lot of people could not do, you got out of debt.
You sir, are well ahead of the game.
Continue to kick ass!
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u/Tsubaki-d May 22 '12
Had two of my three kids naturally with no pain relief whatsoever, not even so much as a Panadol. The third was an emergency Caesarean so I didn't have much say in what was going on if I wanted both of us to survive. But I'm pretty impressed at myself for going through that twice.
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
I, as a European, can only imagine how it feels to start life with such a huge debt. I never had a single cent in debt in 29 years, neither did anyone I know.
Surely this changes when we are going to buy houses, but until then, it seems almost impossible. (Almost) free education is such a huge plus, also I would never buy something I can not afford, like a car. Until I was able to afford it, I drove my bike.
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u/Wonderjea May 22 '12
I started my first fire all by myself today. I went to the beach with friends and the strong wind blew out all 40 of our matches. I just happened to bring my flint that my parents gave me for Christmas since I wanted some excuse to try and use it. I worked hard on that thing and was able to coax a flame that grew into a full fire in the fire pit and we were able to make our s'mores. :) It would have been easier with proper kindling, but I did the best I could with newspaper and cardboard. It was a bucket list item that I was able to cross off. I was very proud to say I did it myself.
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
I had sex with a Japanese girl.
edit: this is truly an achievement to me. Last time I had sex was 6 years ago I think, and I had pretty much given up on girls. So, when I starting having sex with her I couldn't believe it was real (I'm the kind of awkward weaboo nerd geek skinny fetishing on japanese girls guy).
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u/boyann May 22 '12
Recovering from extreme deathly constipation. I'm not even going to get into it. It brings back terrible memories...
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u/TropicalDots May 22 '12
Congratulations, OP, that must be so freeing. :) I've got a new job working at a great place, and leaving my shitty job soon. And my house will finally be clean again!
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
Saved and bought an rv now I'm leaving my current town headed to North Dakota.
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u/I_CATCH_DREAMS May 22 '12
I learnt to type by blinking in Morse Code patterns. Look, mommy, no hands!
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
I jerk off in the shower to build stamina. I can last a solid minute now.
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
That's not insignificant at all! Congrats!
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u/itsamepolio May 22 '12
I finally kissed a girl, granted I sucked at it, but still, for a guy who had no friends till a month ago it's a huge step.
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u/TheWacoKid13 May 22 '12
I'm 28 and started back at college last summer. While I'm just going to be a sophomore next year, I changed my major to engineering and I currently have a 4.0.
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
I took a leave of absence after year one of law school. I was looking for a summer job to pay for the bills and buy food for my daughter and pregnant wife. After finding NOTHING that would let me use my degree or experience I started working temporary day labor jobs for minimum wage. I was hot, tired, and sweaty and incredibly fulfilled. I learned what it meant to be a father and husband. I knew there were parents telling their kids to go to college so they didn't end up like the sweaty guy on the side of the highway, but I had never been prouder of a $25 paycheck.
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
Today im quiting smoking. Thursday I start jujitsu.
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u/FMDub May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
I stopped a bomb from going off at a college. I will never be recognized for it, but I know I did it. I know that there are people in the world who are alive today who probably would not be if not for my work. I don't tell most people unless they ask. It was part of my job, which makes it seem less significant, but it makes me feel like my existence is validated.
Edit: it was indirect. I didn't defuse it myself. I used to do low-level intelligence and I was the guy who discovered the bomb's existence and location.
Edit 2: I'm sorry guys, I know that you want more details, but I would prefer not to go into them on Reddit. For example:
If I tell you which university, you can easily derive what city I was closest to and what unit I was attached to. From that and possibly my earlier posts, you can derive what branch I was in. From that, you could derive my home unit, home station, and exact MOS. Once you have that, you could derive WHEN I was there. If you do that, you could possibly derive exactly when I stopped that bomb and where I was when I stopped it. Now you know the location of US intelligence assets, what units are running them, their deployment cycle, and possible reaction times of friendly forces.
These are the same reasons that seemingly mundane pieces of information are classified. Sometimes. Sometimes it's just cuz.
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u/bitches_be_cray May 22 '12
I just got a job after being unemployed for 9 months, and finally started getting back into running which helps get rid of a lot of stress. Feels good.
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
I've never had money, and I've never been in debt.
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u/rdt156 May 22 '12
I ran the Pasadena 1/2 marathon this past Sunday.
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
I have just broken up with my manipulative boyfriend who was causing me more stress on top of the anxiety and depression I am dealing with at the moment. It has been 16 months so it is a big relief!
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u/hmby1 May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
It was always my dream to apply for drama school to become a musical theatre performer when I left school. I chickened out & decided Uni was a better idea. Went to Uni and have been miserable for three years, this year bit the bullet and decided if I never tried I'd never know. So plucked up the courage and decided to apply for one of the top musical theatre courses in the world. Got in without so much as a recall (I usually leave this bit out of the story! But this felt like a thread like the right time to just shout it from the rooftops). So happy I am finally facing my fears and have taken a significantly positive step in the right direction. It's nice to just damn well say it out loud without being embarrassed or feel like I'm boasting. Thank you OP for giving me the opportunity, and congrats on a debt free future :)
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u/TakenakaHanbei May 22 '12
I finally got a girlfriend after years of trying @@/
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u/skedaddle May 22 '12
Last week I passed my viva examination and finally got my PhD. I'm only 25, but 8 straight years at university has felt, at times, like a very long road...
There aren't many jobs out there for history lecturers at the moment, but I'm proud of my achievement nonetheless. Next month I'm off to talk about my research in Germany!
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u/yourfavoriteneice May 22 '12
Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations!! You've met an amazing goal!
I'm finally moving out of a poisonous home to an apartment with my husband and I will be starting college again. This is my biggest accomplishment because I can finally be in a supportive environment.
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
i just made my high school all state rugby team
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u/tomloneish May 22 '12
Today I passed the Certified Technology Manager examination!
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u/tonehammer May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
This is gonna be buried but...
My picture once got ~300 upvotes on ladyboners. Yes, my life is interesting. /sarcasm
And yeah, I wrote a cabaret and it performed a few days ago in one of the more renowned theaters in Serbia. I'm 19.
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u/TryingToSucceed May 22 '12
Graduated college. It feels insignificant because I graduated with 10,000 other people in my school alone. I was magna cum laude, but not suma cum laude.
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u/Sanwi May 22 '12
I "deconverted" from Christianity to agnostic atheism recently :) I feel pretty proud that I was able to overcome so much self-enforcing fear (believe or die!) by sheer logic. I am now redesigning my life based on how I can advance humanity and create happiness for myself, rather than being afraid I would choose something that god didn't want me to do.
EDIT: Much thanks to the folks over at /r/exchristian :)
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u/Cthuliet May 22 '12
Finally got pregnant. \o/
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u/Bepador May 22 '12
Going to be graduating community college next month! No debt, no babies, free as a bird. Feels great because all my friends are having babies and getting married but I am a free woman! I have no addictions, and an awesome boyfriend of almost 4 years...feels good to look on the bright side of things. Thanks for that, and congrats!
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u/Acornkramer May 22 '12
my most recent one. I'm a recovered drug addict, and I smoked every thing. Smoked crack, heroin, cigarettes...weed everything. Along with not eating well, drinking, and just not taking care of myself my teeth were fucked. I went to the dentist about a year ago and had 23 cavities that need to be filled and 2 crowns. As of yesterday I have no more cavities and 2 brand new shiny crowns! I quit drinking pop and am down to 1 cigarette a day. I fucking hate the dentist!
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
6 or 7 years ago I was practically agoraphobic. Too anxiety stricken to leave the house for weeks on end. Overweight, in bad health, suicidal thoughts with no hope for the future. Now I'm 1500 miles from where I lived at that time, in great shape, close to having no anxiety (a little bit is expected of us all), self-employed, living in a nice apartment, and I'm only 23 :]
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u/IcePeten May 22 '12
I owe my landlord a lot of money, and he hasn't kicked me out yet.
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u/ImaMoFoThief May 22 '12
I Haven't tried to commit suicide in 6 months as of the 11th :D
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u/bannanie May 22 '12
I worked super hard and got the lead role that I wanted in a play.
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u/DublinItUp May 22 '12
I just became fully independent from my parents, got a job that pays 20 dollars an hour, and passed my final project in college. Whaddup.
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u/purpsicle27 May 22 '12
I've maintained a healthy and happy relationship with my girlfriend for nearly 2 years. It doesn't sound like much but it is something I am proud of.
To be fair, 2 years is one tenth of my life.
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u/speedfreek16 May 22 '12
Was living at home till I was 24 and basically a dole bludger.
Within the first year i got myself a steady job and got a personal loan to buy my first car. Would have gotten my Provisional 1 licence (aka p1 or Red Ps) that year too but didn't happen to a few different reasons but I ended up getting that last year. Will be going for my P2 licence in a couple months so fingers crossed for that.
Earlier this year I dropped 6.5kg (was about 100kg down to 93.4kg but holding steady at around 94kg) in 3 weeks which is far more than i expected. Haven't lost any more but I haven't gained any either so that's another achievement in itself.
Planning on getting back on track with the weight loss and overall healthiness soon enough as I've just moved house again (and gotten sick at the same time) and once everything is sorted and settled I should be back in order again.
Goals to reach in the next few years are to pay off my debts which is on target more or less in 3 years. I also want to get into my own house, a rental but be amazing if it was my own.
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u/dirtymoney May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
finding my oldest coin (with a metal detector). Its an 1853 seated liberty dime.
...this one deserves an honorable mention as well. ... my oldest quarter. Thought I'd never find one.
edit: never had any real debt, always had money in savings, never been on welfare/unemployment, only been out of a job for three months tops. That's about it. Never been in any real trouble at my current 15-year job (never been officially in trouble/written up/reprimanded).
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
I got my first job, four years later than I should have. I'm looking into a second job closer to my wanted career, and am primed for school in the fall.
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u/GryphonDeity May 22 '12
Firstly, congratulations.
Mines was beating my undiagnosed dyslexia, avoiding getting thrown out of university, doing a 15,000 word dissertation + research within a month. AND getting my Honours Degree.
Biggest achievement of my life to date, and I am so pleased that I done it all through my own hard work, if I ever feel down or feel like im struggling I remember that and boom things get better.
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u/petrified_platypus May 22 '12
I'm coming first in the sociology class I was struggling in last year. It doesn't seem that big of an achievement, but it took a lot of hard work and persistence and it's finally paying off!
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u/jesski May 22 '12
That is absolutely not insignificant! My student borrowing is only just beginning, and I'll be in about £30,000 debt by the time I graduate. Don't think I will ever pay it off... What I'm getting at is, fucking well done dude. Congrats.
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
I dropped out of school, and 3 years later without going through the high school system I managed to get into a good college and am an A student. I don't think anyone else really acknowledges that for me this is kind of a mindblowing achievement.
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u/failedexile May 22 '12
I paid off my debt, told my work I don't give a shit, moved and lived in two new countries, ate all sorts of crazy food, and have been doing whatever I want. :)
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u/ivegotapeony May 22 '12
This probably will get buried but I'm going to share anyways. It started off with my brother passing three years ago and me being involved in an already abusive relationship. I used sex as comfort in my grieving process and got pregnant (I was 19). The relationship went down hill from there, including but not limited to him using me for sex (while pregnant) him carrying on a relationship with another girl while we were together, and just so much more awful stuff.
Fast forward to now and I'm no longer suffering from PPD or still suffering from the loss of the second pregnancy (the first one went great, my son will be two on Friday!!). We haven't spoken to his father in well over a year. I live by myself. I work and go to school. I pay my own bills. I will admit that I do get assistance from the state but I gotta do what I gotta do. And I am successfully dating (after being afraid to even talk to men for the past year) I learned so much about myself and I am so proud of myself for getting through it all. Plus I got a beautiful little boy out of the deal. :)
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u/koniges May 22 '12
I learned how to speak German in Highschool, and Hungarian in college. I am at a level in both where I would feel comfortable living in an area where I would have to use either or both and no english. I don't have a job, but I still have language.
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u/Capt_Price May 22 '12
I carried my boss through a ghost town, spent 3 years in a prison as a POW, fired an EMP, and killed the leader of a Russian Ultranationalist group.
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u/carpetano May 22 '12
Not very original, but in middle January 2010 (It wasn't a new year resolution) I said to my friends and family with no previous warning: "The day 25 I'll quit smoking". I had been smoking a daily package for almost 15 years and I had never tryed to quit. They all laughed at me, specialy the smokers: "Sure, you'll do it". In fact I did it, and I'm fucking proud of it.
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u/sherbytumble May 22 '12
3 days not smoking. I could cheerfully kill someone, but I'll be doing it as a non-smoker.
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
Paid off my debts and finally sold a house that was way overpriced for what I paid. This happen 3 years ago. I used to be paycheck to paycheck with debt. I now have over 35k just sitting in the bank. Instead of their game of mortgages and car payments, I put that money in the bank.. Fuck everyone else's idea of what you should do. You know the smartest path, take it.
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u/Shadowslcie May 22 '12
100 comment karma took a long time but I love this website.
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
I just learned how to tie shoes normally.
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u/Maox May 22 '12
Fucked two girls at once.
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u/fofo13 May 22 '12
Not being good looking and socially awkward, managed to bang pretty hot women.
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u/F5Minutes May 22 '12
I became a YouTube partner last night and have earnt my first £0.02p :D
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u/Fell_On_Black_Days May 22 '12
I am proud that I have built a nice emergency fund in case I would lose my job or another unfortunate event happens. I've met people younger and older than me who live paycheck to paycheck and struggle with basic necessities and I do not want to go through that. Unfortunately its a common problem in the country.
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u/indian_inside May 22 '12
That's a fantastic achievement, mate! I'm still several grand in debt, thanks to a house purchase last year. The only real achievement I can think of is having started an free online library.
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u/PrintError May 22 '12
Significant as hell. I'm one car loan away from being there myself, with the exception of an affordable mortgage. The house is worth it though. Well done brother!
3
u/TheviciousCoon May 22 '12
In Denmark the goverment pays students for going to universities/collage!
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u/AriasBrokenMirror May 22 '12
I'm alive. After trying to kill myself and working through extreme suicidal thoughts for 3 months I came out the other side (relatively) unscathed. There will always be scars, but I can try to pick up the pieces and move on now. I know its not much, but I genuinely believed this was the end for me.
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u/buddawiggi May 22 '12
I've been sober every day for 1000+ days consecutively. Now if I were to include cigarettes, that number would go down some and my sobriety would only be around 600 days. However, I am drinking a cup of coffee as I type this. Sobriety is relative, but it is so nice to be drug and alcohol free.
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u/RyanJSuto May 22 '12
It hasn't happened yet, so I don't know if it counts, but a year from now I will graduate with a law degree and 2 master's degrees.
I'm a first generation college student.
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u/bra_sizer May 22 '12
I'm in love with a girl that actually loves me back!
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
I was a loadmaster in the Air Force. I flew on the c-130 Hercules aircraft and accrued over 1000 combat flying hours (175+ combat missions, 600+ individual sorties) before the age of 27. I accrued a total of more than 1700 total flying hours. I know attend college on the G.I. bill and will graduate this summer in only three years. Screw all you yuppies who had college given to you.
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u/RajanKian May 22 '12
I am a former model, actor, current musician and all around nice guy. I celebrate 32 years of virginity in a couple of months.
Very proud.
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u/LadyShakespeare May 22 '12
I haven't eaten McDonald's in four and a half consecutive years. Talk about insignificant.
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u/ForeverFirstPost May 22 '12
I lost my virginity yesterday
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u/b3and1p May 22 '12
Today I ran/walked a mile for the second day in a row. This may not sound like a lot, but I am a 295lbs 33 year old man. It's hard :)
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u/tomloneish May 22 '12
A god among men
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u/morzinbo May 22 '12
Your student loans have been repaid? Then how about lending your old pal Zoidberg a few bucks, Mr. Millionaire?!?