On May 13, 2016, I began an Instagram hashtag titled #hello19. It was made as a way to document my nineteenth year in memories. In the beginning, I attempted to post one photo every day, however, I soon lost touch with this pattern and just began posting photos and videos that meant something to me. Most of my posts are of food and friends. In this article, I'll share with you the highlights, and what I've learned.

1. Self-care

This year, more than any other, I've learned the importance of self-love and self-care. You are the most important part of everything you're involved in; you come first. Though it's taken me a while to learn this, I'm finally starting to get the hang of it.

2. Directing

Last year, I applied to direct Act V Productions' one act and was accepted. In directing, I learned the importance of teamwork, communication, and cooperation. I conquered the challenges of being a first-time leader, and although I'll likely never return to directing, I am thankful for the experience, and all I've been through with my production team pictured above.

3. Strength in friendship

My best friend and I became even closer this year at school, and I couldn't be more thankful for all she has done for me in the past two years now. Together, we have endured some fantastic and terrible times; but I wouldn't trade her for anything. I can't believe she's graduating next year, but I know she'll go on to accomplish amazing things!

4. Concerts

My brother and I went to so many concerts in the past year; they were all amazing. Twenty One Pilots, Blink 182, A Day to Remember, The Offspring, and Avenged Sevenfold are just a few of the bands we saw during my nineteenth year. I'm forever thankful for all the bands and artists I've been granted the privilege to see, and I can't wait for the upcoming concert season!

5. Dean's List

While juggling directing, editing for the literary magazine and taking four out of five English classes, I somehow managed to raise my GPA and get dean's list for the fall semester. This was my first semester getting Dean's list, and I couldn't have been happier to have been privileged enough to partake in eating the Dean's List cake. This was an amazing accomplishment for me and I'm proud to have made it to that point.

6. Claw machine win

I'm not a very lucky person, but I won the claw machine at our local diner, and this was a pretty big accomplishment for me. I've never won any claw machine, ever. It was a pretty good day.

7. Philly food trucks

For the first time in my life, I ate from Philadelphia food trucks and absolutely fell in love with street grub. On the first day of Rock Allegiance, I got these old bay tater tots and on the second, I ate a pesto Caprese grilled cheese. Heaven is real, and it resides in food truck food.

8. Weight loss

Though my weight loss journey has been on and off for the past five years, I've seriously made some progress in the past year. It's been a lot of hard work, but I'm finally becoming someone I want to be.

9. Money-making

This past year, I've made a lot of money. I love my job at home and continue to work there over breaks, but I also gained an on-campus job, where I assist in the promoting of my minor. This summer, I'll have an on-campus job and an at-home job too, which is pretty awesome. Thankful for my opportunities, as always.

10. North Carolina with my family

In May of last year, I went to North Carolina with my family and had the most amazing time! The ocean has some seriously amazing healing powers, and as it turns out, a vacation was a definite pick-me-up for my entire family. Can't wait to go back!

11. Awards

Every year, Act V Productions has an awards ceremony at an end-of-the-year banquet, where members are given awards voted in by the membership of the club. I was lucky enough to have won the award for Best Director, along with two certificates from the Tech Crew that run lights and sound for our shows, for Best House Music and Outstanding Director. I am forever thankful for this club and all the opportunities they have afforded me in the past two years. Can't wait to see what Act V has in store for us all next year!!

12. Naps

I know this sounds lame, but I love naps. Naps are a highlight of every year I have on this Earth. I honestly don't know what I'd do without naps and am thankful for them every Thanksgiving, too.

13. Pizza

Look, the same goes for pizza. I love pizza. Due to recent circumstances, I haven't been able to eat it, but I can't wait to return.

14. Outside the comfort zone

I took a step outside of my comfort zone and auditioned for the Vagina Monologues, which happened last February. It was honestly one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and I'm so glad I did it.

15. Cherry blossoms

My best friend and I went on a school trip to the Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C. and had the best time. We had some great photography opportunities, saw some art, some nature, I introduced her to Insomnia cookies, and we took two ubers.

16. Near-death experience

After an unfortunate incident, I had a very dangerous procedure, that could have easily gone south. Though I'm still in recovery and am on a liquid and soft foods diet, I am very thankful to be here and am hanging in there. My best friend and former assistant director were there when I needed them the most and for that, I am forever grateful. Though this wasn't a highlight, per se, it did help me realize many things, including the importance of my health and well-being, and who my real friends were.

17. 1-year anniversary with The Odyssey

As of May 2017, I've officially been writing with Odyssey for a year. Throughout that year, I have written some fantastic articles about all sorts of things. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to share many stories and am also proud to announce that I'm also now a Contributing Editor for my Odyssey community. I am excited for all the great things that await me with this new journey I'm embarking on with Odyssey. Here's to another great year!