Coming into 2018, I had high hopes for I knew it would be year I wouldn't be able to forget. I was on a path to say many hard goodbyes as I finished the last chapter of my senior year, and I said hello to a fresh start as my college career began. I learned more this year than I could have ever imagined, and I had opportunities I will forever be grateful for.

This year I felt heartbreak, joy, disappointment, excitement, and fear. Most importantly I have felt accomplished this year. This year I was accepted into many universities, danced my heart out, spoke at my high school graduation, and faced my fears like moving away from home. Leaving all that I knew behind was the hardest thing for me to cope with. I realized things wouldn't be the same, but quickly came to the understanding that you eventually have to move on, and that is okay.. I have never been so proud of myself, like I have this past year. I was also extremely proud of all my friends and their accomplishments as well. Being able to celebrate each other is something I will never forget. I hope everyone gets to feel that way once in a while, because it is a feeling like no other.

I have also faced some of the hardest times. I didn't know how overwhelming college applications, and watching my high school dance career coming to a close could be. Preparing to transition into a new season of life brought many personal struggles, some I still deal with today. Luckily, I have a support system like no other. It is known, that I would not have made it through this year without my support system. They have cried and laughed with me. They have been my crutch when things were tough. To my parents, grandparents, best friends, teachers, and dance family I am truly thankful for all the endless love and support you have shown me. You know who you are, and know I will always be grateful. Even if it was the simplest hug or text message, know it was so appreciated.

I have also learned to forgive, but not to forget. Forgiveness is something we all have to learn how to do, and it isn't easy. I have learned forgiveness is healthy. It isn't turning the other cheek or putting the blame on yourself. Forgiveness is something we never truly learn how to do. So I encourage everyone to take the time to learn how to do this.

I remembered how important it is to laugh. My friends and I will sit and laugh over the simplest things, but yet it brings us all so much joy. Sometimes if you don't laugh, you'll cry. Or at least that's how it is for me sometimes. Laughing brings memories that will last a lifetime. And then you can go back and laugh at those memories, it is a continuous circle.

I was also able to travel to the city that never sleeps (sounds a lot like me doesn't it). New York was truly breath taking. I went on the ultimate girls trip to celebrate my senior year. Seeing Brittany Spears, and having tea at the Plaza Hotel were things I had ever only dreamed of doing. Thanks to the world's best mom and grandma, these things were made possible. I loved every second of NYC, and I hope one day to live there to chase my dream. Because if you can make it in the city, you can make it anywhere.

One thing I am most thankful this year brought me, was the opportunity to chase my dream at Meredith College. I owe many thanks to my parents for making this possible. The path to chasing my dream is being unfolded right before my eyes. Being a news anchor has been my life goal for as long as I can remember (well besides wanting to be Miss America). Now the time has come for me to make this dream become a reality, and I couldn't be more excited for the future. I quickly learned that I have one chance to do this, and that if I put my mind to I can accomplish anything. While college has also brought me to my dream, it has also guided me to my forever friends. I am so thankful to have made the sweetest sisters at Meredith College. They make the hard days so much easier, and they always make the good days even better. They know just how to put a smile on my face, and know the way to my heart… (Cookout).

2018 flew by, literally. Now as this chapter is coming to a close it is the perfect time for me to sit back and reflect on this wonderful life. 2018 tested and challenged me, and I am lucky enough to say that the good days outweigh the bad by a long stretch. Although with the help of many others it did bring out my true potential, and for that I will forever be thankful. 2019, I am ready for you and all you have to offer!

"Write it on your heart that everyday is the best day of the year." –Ralph Waldo Emerson