As my 19th year comes to a close, I look back at what this year gave me. Here's to reflecting on the strongest memories my year brought.

My 19th birthday started great spending time with family and friends as I prepared to go back to college for my sophomore year. That sophomore year felt just like freshman year when my parents left me because I'm the biggest cry baby there is, but of course once I settled in and had a great time. I started writing for The Odyssey and Her Campus Montclair which has really given me a new form of self-expression that I love.

Everything was going really well- trips to the city with my friends, visits from friends from home, doing well in all my classes. The only thing wrong was that during all this I had to worst headaches that eventually led to an emergency room visit.

I learned there that I had a brain tumor that needed removal. Later on we discovered that tumor was a pediatric brain cancer. I would be receiving radiation and chemotherapy for a total of 10 months. My 19th year took a huge turn but I know everything is just a blessing in disguise.

While losing all my hair, learning how to use an NG tube, getting a port, and having a G tube placed weren't in my plans, the things I've endured have taught me way more about myself than I could have imagined.

I am stronger than I ever was. I've learned how to be independent when no one could hold my hand in treatment. I've learned to be patient when it came to waiting long months until my lumbar puncture was clear of cancer.

So while my last year as a teenager wasn't ideal, I am grateful for it. I've grown into an adult whether it was what I wanted or not. I'm most thankful for learning to be uncomplaining and accepting of things as they are. There are so many moments in a day where things don't go as planned. I learned there's no need to get upset, everything will always work its way out.

My 19th year in one word was wild. Even though I learned so much I hope my 20s are a little more calm.