Dear summer of 2017,

You’re not quite done yet, but I just wanted to thank you for being all I hoped you’d be and more. You see, this past winter, I had a really tough time of figuring out what I was doing with my life, where I was going and how I could be happy. I was at school in Indiana, but I knew that I couldn’t stay there for too much longer. I wanted more.

I saw the movie “La La Land” and as cheesy as this sounds, it inspired me to decide that I would live in Los Angeles before 2017 was over. I felt that relocating was the only way to follow my dreams because living in Indiana was not benefitting my goals. I applied to a program in LA so that I wouldn’t have to be back in New Jersey serving crabs all summer. I accepted two internships in Los Angeles and they were invaluable to my education, career and life.

I always knew I’d eventually move out to LA, but I didn’t know that I’d love it enough to be able to confidently say that I want to live there permanently. But after you, summer of 2017, I think I’ve found my forever home.

You also gave me friends. And not just the forced friendships that are made through study abroad programs, but friends that somehow know you better than anyone should in three months time. And for that, I’m grateful. I have a hard time making friends. I’m not shy, but when it comes to asking practically strangers if they want to hang out, I feel awkward. And I’ve never been good about vocalizing that I wish to be included in plans. So thank you for giving me ladies I hope to call friends for years to come.

Summer of ‘17, you exceeded my expectations, and this is how:

1. My first trip to Disneyland for my birthday.

This was a pleasant surprise. I did my internships through Boston University, even though I’m not a BU student and they surprised us with a discounted trip to Disneyland. It just so happened that we went the day before my birthday, so it was the best gift I could’ve asked for.

2. I conquered my fear of heights

LA is replete with hiking trails. I love hiking, but I’ve always been scared of heights. One day, I decided to do a different trail at Runyon Canyon, that was higher up and steeper than the main one, and at first, I backed down and considered taking the easier trail. Then, somehow, I gained the courage to decide to climb to one of the highest points at Runyon Canyon and I was bursting with adrenaline.

3. Running into celebrities

Whether it was just a casual pass by a TV star on the street, meeting them in a bar, or partying with an ex-Disney channel star on a hotel rooftop, seeing celebrities became normalized this summer. Which brings me to my next point...

4. Hotel rooftop pool parties

LA is well-known for these and they are perfect for anyone who favors "darties" (day parties) to night clubbing (such as I). What better way to take in the views of the city, bask in the sun with a drink in your hand and float on a blow-up goose?

5. Corgi Beach Day

“You mean you got to spend three hours surrounded by corgis dressed in ridiculously adorable costumes while they compete in contests about who’s the cutest on a beach with food trucks???” Yes. Yes, I did.

6. VidCon 2017

The two friends I spent the most time with this summer interned for the same company, which creates and manages YouTube content. They happened to score me an invite to VidCon’s annual party and even though I didn’t recognize any of the popular vloggers, it was awesome.

7. Brunch every weekend

Me and the same two good friends made Saturday and Sunday brunch a weekend ritual because everyone knows that bottomless mimosas and eggs benedict are the best hangover cure.

8. Palm trees

I can’t not smile every time I see them. So basically, I was smiling all summer.