Dear Junior Year,

As I move into my senior year, let me leave you with this:

There were times this year that I questioned everything that you threw at me. You challenged me with things that I never knew I could get through--nonetheless grow from as a person. You put me in situations that made me doubt my intentions and the things I saw for myself. You forced me to grow up and accept that life just happens.

You tested me and spread me so thin that I did not think that I had any more to give to all the things I had committed to. You took my passions and helped turn them into a reality, and then you pushed me to work harder than I've ever worked before, just to keep afloat.

You've seen me transform into someone who now knows what she is passionate about and is still learning how to be bold in chasing them. You gave me the confidence and validation that I needed to pursue the things I accomplished this year.

You proved that relationships are messy and so are people, and that the life I lead is full of mistakes and heartache. And from that, you taught me to take a step back and contemplate walking more kindly and humbly than I've ever done before. In understanding that concept, you taught me the joy in second chances and rekindling the things that I did not entirely know how to appreciate the first time around.

In between the balancing act of the life that you provided me this year, you gave me a support group that I don't ever question. You brought people into my life that would become my family. You taught me what it is to know friends that make me feel truly loved and understood. You surprised me by turning something unexpected into a blessing that I couldn't believe was coming towards me.

The people in my life are full of the most love, kindness, humor, and acceptance that I have ever come across. They bring laughter and conversation to my every day life that allows me to look forward to what's ahead. They keep things lighthearted and meaningful while maintaining a mutual love and respect for one another despite any differences. They're the best kind of people to live life with.

In the midst of all of the chaos, you have not failed to pile important decisions atop my shoulders for months. And, the pressure I felt (and still do) has revealed that my life is all about the small steps that lead up to the big jumps. What I want takes time, hard work, persistence, and patience---and lot of it.

You opened my eyes and confirmed that this life does not come easy, but you showed me that one of the most important things is to find people that ground me and inspire me.

And, thanks to you, I've found that.

So as I depart into a different phase, I wanted to put into words everything you've meant to me. Here's to you being the period of my life where I grew the most, learned to love myself, and met friends that I hope to grow old with.

I cannot wait to see what else your older sibling, Senior Year, has in store.

Sincerely,

Anna