Nostalrius Begins - Quality wow vanilla realm (1.12)

Hey everyone, I just recently started playing this server. As a person that started WoW during cata, I'm used to blizz holding my hand through the leveling process. In vanilla this is obviously not the case. I was wondering if any seasoned veterans could give me some tips on how to keep at the grind of leveling and make it more enjoyable. Also, I was wondering if it would be better to take gathering professions for goldmaking purposes, or a production profession to make gear for myself as I level.
Many thanks in advance

P.S: I play a night elf rogue, by the name of Aurinar. If you are looking for someone to play with or to recruit into your guild, /w me

You might want to use a leveling guide / addon and still should prepare for looking up a lot of stuff on the internet.

Gathering professions are kinda difficult to skill as most spawns are overfarmed and also don't give you much gold while leveling.

good luck leveling^^