I'd like to live permanently in October 1988, when I started college. I had no responsibility and the energy to do whatever I wanted. My optimism wasn't dented by experience or low self-esteem.

In this quote, Sue Perkins, a British comedian and television presenter, reflects on a specific period of her life—October 1988, when she began her college journey. She expresses a longing to return to this time because it represented a period of freedom, optimism, and boundless energy. At that stage, she felt no significant responsibility and had the vitality to pursue her interests without the constraints that adulthood or experience often brings. This feeling of liberation and potential was untouched by the challenges or doubts that typically arise as people grow older.

Perkins contrasts this time with the weight of experience and self-doubt that many people accumulate as they navigate life. The phrase "my optimism wasn't dented by experience or low self-esteem" highlights how, in her youth, she maintained an unshakable belief in herself and her future, free from the insecurities or disappointments that sometimes cloud one’s perspective as they age. This carefree, energetic attitude towards life is something she looks back on fondly, perhaps wishing to recapture that feeling of limitless possibility.

The quote also speaks to the universal experience of youth and how the energy and enthusiasm that come with it can often be clouded by the weight of adult responsibilities and life experiences. Perkins is nostalgic for a time when the world seemed full of opportunities and she had the drive to take them on without hesitation. Her desire to live permanently in this moment reflects a longing for the freedom that comes with being young and unburdened by the complexities of life.

Ultimately, Sue Perkins’ words emphasize the value of optimism, freedom, and youthful energy, and how these qualities can sometimes fade with time. Her quote serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing life with a sense of possibility and self-belief, qualities that are often more abundant in youth but can continue to be nurtured throughout life.