Besides focusing on all the annoying curveballs life likes to throw at all of us, there are some happy moments I want to commemorate. Since I am turning 19 in September I feel like it is best to go over some of the best moments that I've experienced as an 18 year old.

With every positive moment comes a sad or hard beginning. On my 18th birthday everything went wrong. My parents were not in town, nothing was planned, it was a straight mess. You're probably thinking "her parents were not in town, why wasn't she throwing a project X party?" That doesn't mean I wasn't under someone's supervision. My every move felt monitored. This may sound cliche, but I find myself to be a mature young adult. I give my parents every reason to trust me, so to be under someone's watch made me rebellious.

Last September it was so easy to think that being 18 is going to suck already. It did not suck one bit, I loved every moment of it. One of the things I loved about being 18 was that I was single! Not only was I finally able to explore this wide market of men I also discovered so much more about myself.

For example, I realized that I am not a "friends with benefits" kind of girl. In the raw light I am a hopelessly romantic person who doesn't show it. I hate feeling lonely, so when I do, I always call up a friend to talk. If I'm feeling down about something and I ask my friends for advice, I end up solving my own issues. On a day to day basis I find myself talking about my feelings because its my moment of revaluation. I've learned to love my sarcasm, and if I find that someone finds it unappealing I cut them off because I know they will never understand me. That might sound "too straightforward" but its the truth. I've learned that cutting off these types of people has made so much more room for people who have my sense of humor. You don't need to consider those who can't laugh at the same jokes as you do. May I add, unless you have already figured laughing is one of those things I have to do everyday. Although I've managed to learn a handful of things about myself, I have also been able to experience events that have helped me grow as a human being.

I can still feel my heart vibrating and the floor shaking from all the bass I experienced at EDC NY 2016. I have never been to a concert before, so going to a 2-day festival was obviously on my bucket list. There was this euphoric, fast, heroic energy that passed through my body each time that bass dropped. Goosebumps surround my body when I think about EDC because it was a moment where nothing mattered and good vibes were in the air. There were some instances where I witnessed drug users lick their pinkies in excitement, and then offer me drugs after. However that did not mean I stepped over to the norm of taking drugs at a rave because I knew well enough to never take drugs, especially from strangers. The best part about EDC is that you don't have to go with friends because you end up connecting with so many different people. It felt like the world shrunk into Queens and brought all of the countries together to celebrate under the night owl. Although its checked off my list, it has added so many more events that I must attend to.

Late June I traveled to Miami, Florida with my best friend for the first time. I had a taste of what it would be like to live with roommates. We cleaned, cooked, and stayed up talking about our deepest feelings. I got the sense of what it would be like to live alone. There was a moment in Miami, Florida where I sat back and thought, "I'm growing up, I can do this on my own." Once I got home I packed my things and got my own apartment! Ha, just kidding! However at that instant, I saw my life gradually shifting towards an adult who can do things without mommy and daddy. Besides Miami being a well needed vacation away from the hectic city life, it was an opening to my adulthood.

I have found a new love for kickboxing. If you are someone who finds tranquility in punching some pillows when life falls apart, kickboxing is for you! It has not only helped balance my stress levels, but it has helped me accept and forgive those who misunderstand. When it comes to fighting, I don't stoop down to the level where I am physical. With this being so, anger is a normal emotion that needs release. Meaning if you don't have a solution to the problem presented to you, punch a few bags and hopefully you'll feel better about it. I always do!

It was a pleasure being 18 years old, but as I say goodbye to this year I am excited for what 19 will bring me. I hope for opportunity, positivity, love, and happiness. This year only challenges all of the other years to come. If I must send a small message to my 19 year old self it will be to never expect anything, to love who you are, to make mistakes because that's how you learn, to never give second chances, and to always stay true to you!