We all say the same cliches every New Year.

"This year went by so fast."

"This year had the biggest impact on me."

"So much has happened in the last year."

However, this year, I wanted to reflect on my experiences from the last 12 months without using any of the standard cliches or overdramatizing everything. I wanted to appreciate the year for what it actually was, and not just say what everyone wants to hear.

In all honesty, 2019 feels like one of the slowest years I've ever experienced, but I look back and it also feels like everything happened just yesterday. A lot of big things happened to me this year.

I survived my freshman year of college and grew more confident in my career choice. I made a diet and lifestyle change impulsively, only for it to be one of the best decisions I've made for myself.

During the summer, I worked my tail off and celebrated my 20th birthday the way I wanted to for once. In the fall, I began my sophomore year, and now, I can officially say I've survived the first semester.

Going into this year, I didn't have too many expectations. I didn't set too many goals or standards for myself for the upcoming months. It wasn't exactly my intention to let the year take me wherever it goes, but things ended up working out that way for the better.

This year has had plenty of ups and downs. There were a lot of times where I was forced to grow up in ways I didn't realize I needed to. While it just so happens to sound exactly like one, 2019 is way more than just another cliche year for me.

I can honestly say that I'm thankful for all the growth it has brought me, and I'm excited to see what 2020 has in store.