Looking back at this year in retrospective, a-lot happened and a-lot went on. I still remember coming to Judson, unsure of who I would meet and what relationships I would form. I came and had the chance to impact others or go through the motions, create meaningful relationships or skin-deep ones. I hope that I can say I have successfully done that. Judson was a positive change from the high school I went too. I finally felt that I had teachers and people who cared about me. Judson was full of diversity and that was a huge plus for me, because my high school was full of plenty of hispanics and african americans and I really liked that. Diversity has always been a big thing for me and being able to explore that further at Judson, whether it be race, background, or interest was awesome.

During my first year at Judson I established a love for graphic design that I didn't really have at the beginning of the year. I gained a sense of pride in my work and a sense of professionalism that made me feel grown up. There were plenty of times when I didn't think I was any good, heck most of us art majors did. I still at times am not sure, but I'm learning how to deal with that fear, and once you get past that fear it is only exciting.

Looking back I couldn't have predicted the events that have unfolded. The people that I have met that mean the world to me. The things I have gotten to experience, and learn. College has definitely taught me to trust God. Its different when things go wrong when you are miles away from home. That conversation with a parent becomes a phone call or a text. Visiting home doesn't always mean visiting friends, their breaks might be different or they might be busy, and your best friends no longer know the people and daily situations that matter to you.

I never thought that being away from my family would bring me closer, but the crazy year of your life that is freshmen year of college defiantly does wonders in bringing you closer to your family. My mom and dad were a huge reason I made it through the year. A-lot was said both ways that I will never forget and will cherish. You realize how young you really are, how much you don't know. Your parents speaking as if it was all a distant memory, once in your shoes. I have always looked up to my parents and have been interested in their lives, how they met, and what they were doing when they were my age. Both of them have simular backgrounds with me, my mom being a going to school for interior design and my dad doing work in printing and websites. Most people think of their parents as old and distant but that is because they don't realize they never wanted to grow old and distant that just hapend. They were like you and still are, they are not out of touch they just are different, and your world is only now and doesn't mean as much to the other generations as it does to you. I realize I have become a spitting image of my dad. He used to be a punk rocker, later to be swept away by the new wave scene. He also had his fair share of bands and gigs. He was tall and skinny and his hair and dress was just as much out there. Both of us are idea people, and his creation of two companies mirrors my desires to create something for myself. I don't want to be handed anything on a plate I want to create for myself.

With all that being said I am excited for next year. I am excited to pick up on somethings I havent quiet fulfilled this year. I am excited to do whatever it takes to record an album next year, even if I have to play all the instruments on it and sing. I am excited to do the things that fear didn't allow me too, to learn more, and be more.