With my 19th birthday coming up on Friday, I wanted to take a step back and look at the previous year. I have had so many high points and I am grateful for everything.

The day after my birthday last year I left for Italy to go on a two week exchange. I had a quick birthday cake and the next thing I knew I was on a plane. I didn't really have time to reflect on turning 18. I knew I had just became an adult but that honestly didn't really mean much to me. However, when I got there, I was (somewhat in a sense) on my own. My parents were there and I was living with new people. I ended up getting jet lag but I eventually settled in. The trip to Italy was one of the highlights of my 18th year, and my entire life. I made a great friendship with my exchange student, and I was exposed to a new culture. I started off my 18th year with a memory that will last for a lifetime.

As graduation neared closer, my friends and I spent a lot of time together. We had the senior picnic, senior ball, and a tailgate in the parking lot. I am so grateful that I made many great friends throughout high school.

Graduation was kind of a blur. In a good way. It was crazy to think that was the end of high school, and I wouldn't be seeing most of these people ever again. I was a little emotional during the ceremony, but I had a great time at safe grad.

Summer was crazy because I was working all day every day. I was exhausted but I was able to hang out with my family and friends on the weekends. I did make a good amount of money that I used towards books and school, which was great.

I remember moving into Endicott like it was yesterday. I had so much stuff, and it took forever to move in. Flash forward through a semester, finding true friends, and lots of homework. Here we are a couple days from my 19th birthday. It's kind of insane to think this will be my last year as a teenager. I am looking forward to the next year of my life, and all it will bring. I'm excited to embrace the summer and my sophomore year of college. For my 19th birthday, I wish for another year of happiness, humor, and good times.