I think that it’s all too often that we look back on a year with regret and longing, wishing we would have done things differently. Sometimes, we regret doing things the way we did, or we think about what we should have done when we were faced with a difficult decision.

Some of us look at the list of New Year’s Resolutions that will be tacked onto the ever growing list for the next year, only wishing that we would have actually followed through this time. This year, I have decided to be thankful for every challenge that life put me through, and even more, I have decided to look back on this year with nothing but contentment.

1. January gave me my first tattoo.

I was surprised to have my mom ask me if I wanted it for my birthday. I had one in mind for years, knowing that I wanted it to be in remembrance of my father. So, on a fateful day, I sat there like a champ, and I’m happy to say it healed up quite nicely.

2. February gave me some quality time with my now roommate.

Since our winter break plans fell through, we decided to

spend a day in Frankenmuth. We walked around everywhere, trying free samples and taking silly pictures together. It’s the little things in life, sometimes.

3. March gave me a centennial celebration of my sorority.

Sisters from my chapter gathered together to celebrate a very momentous day in the history of my sorority. 100 years doesn’t come around just any day, so getting to share this day with my sisters was one for the books!

4. April gave me a night of dancing with my best friends.

Every spring, my sorority holds a Formal where we typically eat dinner, hand out mock awards, and dance the night away. This year, I took my two best friends, and it was one of the best nights I had had in a long time. I think it will likely take the cake for one of my favorite nights of college when I graduate.

5. May gave me my favorite place in the world back.

This year was my second summer season working up at Mackinac Island for a ferry company. Something about that quaint little place makes me feel so whole. I moved back up and started work at the beginning of the month. I was so happy to finally be back to my happy place.

6. June gave me my summer girls.

Something about this summer helped me build friendships that have become such an important part of my life. The job up there wasn’t always easy, and I can say that my friends are what helped me through everything.

7. July gave me some well needed time with my family.

When you don’t live at home for school, and then don’t live at home for the summer either, it really sucks not seeing your family. I spent a couple of weekends with my family, and I enjoyed every ounce of it.

8. August gave me a complete family.

I watched my mom marry the love of her life, and I was so happy to watch her finally get to write her love story for the books. It’s not every day that people get to have their happy ending, but I was sure glad to see my mom finally get hers.

9. September gave me a new car.

I had been toying with the idea of leasing a new vehicle for several months, and well I decided to take a leap of faith. I ended up getting approved, and I was able to drive away in a beautiful 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. Believe me when I say that new car smell never gets old.

10. October gave me whiplash.

No, literally. I was coming back from spending a weekend in Mackinaw with my friends, and on the way back, we were struck by another car. We all suffered whiplash, but we also were all able to walk away from it alive. We were all so incredibly lucky. Although it sucked to have my brand new car already totaled, I was safe, and that’s all I could ever ask for.

11. November gave me "The Great Gatsby" dress.

When someone asks me what my favorite color is, I usually say sparkles. When I found this dress, I immediately fell in love with the intricate design and how much it reminded me of "The Great Gatsby" movie posters. When I did wear it, there was glitter everywhere, but I felt unstoppable in the dress.

12. December gave me a happy end to my Executive Board run.

This year, I sat on the Executive Board for my sorority. Parts of it were very stressful, whereas others were the most rewarding. It was one of the most challenging things I have done in a short time frame, but I learned so much and also grew in character.