This year was one that is quite special to me. A lot happened in 365 days. I finished my sophomore year in college by making Dean's List, went to the Dominican Republic and had major foot surgery. With many ups and downs this year, I have a lot to be thankful for. Most importantly, I’ve learned a lot from this year.
I learned to be organized.
This was especially true during my second semester of sophomore year this past spring, when I realized that I needed to get my act together. While I'm still not as organized as I’d like to be, or probably should be, I’m a whole lot better than I was 365 days ago. Not just with academics, but everything in life. Organization is the key to success.
To want to do well.
I always kind of knew that I wanted to be successful, but I never really wanted it. After this year, I constantly have the desire to “want” to do well and to be successful. That means stepping out of boundaries.
College is the big leagues.
I probably should have learned this my freshman year, and I did find this out then, but it came full circle this year. No one is going to hold your hand and competition is everything. You have to stand out.
To want more out of myself.
It's one thing to want to be successful, but it's another to always want more out of yourself. I realized that in order to be successful, I need to constantly ask more of myself and reach higher.
To know when to relax.
After a long semester of academics and soccer, I knew a rest was necessary. Obviously, not for too long, but a few days of doing nothing is not so bad after all.
To listen to your parents.
I don't know how many times my parents have told me this, but I’ll listen to them the next time they say it.
To never lose hope.
Hearing that I needed foot surgery that would keep me out for the season was extremely difficult to swallow. However, I learned to never lose hope, to always look on the bright side and to keep chugging along until it’s truly evident that it's not going to work out.
To persevere.
Like I said, the foot surgery was tough. Being on crutches for 10 weeks was brutal, and there were several times when I wanted to give up and not move on with life. But this long recovery process taught me a lot about perseverance and how to overcome obstacles. This was one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned.
Watching may be the best thing for you.
Unfortunately, I spent a lot of time on the bench, watching soccer, but I learned how to be a better player, teammate and person, all by watching. Maybe the expression should be, "Watching makes perfect.”
Love life.
I learned to not take anything for granted, but to also love life, the gifts I’ve been given and the people who have impacted my life. Love goes a long way.
Next year is a new year.
Whatever I wasn’t proud of this year, I can look forward to changing next year. Next year is a new year, to make new mistakes and to learn from them.
While 2015 was a good year, I cannot wait for what 2016 will bring.
