Being 16 isn’t what I always imagined that it would be. I didn’t have the masquerade ball that little Trinity dreamed of and I still can’t drive. However, throughout the years, I've changed and grown in so many ways. So, because I didn’t live out the dream of tiny Trin, here’s a list of 16 things that show that you don’t need a ball gown and a license to have a sweet sixteen.

1. I got a job.

Actually, I got two jobs. Not only do I write for the Odyssey, but I work at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Neither feel like work and both are super fun and I get to do what I love: write, surround myself in art, and work with people. While I’m still finding my voice and working through my awkwardness, I’m excited for what both opportunities will bring me in the future.

2. I finally took the bus.

To my dismay, I still haven’t gotten my license, and that definitely isn’t happening any time soon. I still need to get more hours under my belt and get used to driving. Fortunately, I had one of my close friends go on an adventure with me so we could both learn together. I wasn’t really too worried about it since I’ve used the subway in New York before, but it doesn’t hurt to have a friend to ease your worries. We traveled around Minneapolis for a day to thrift and eat some good, and not-so-good food. It was like a pre-birthday celebration.

3. I started sewing.

I’ve always wanted to create my own clothes or personalize the ones I have, but I’ve always been discouraged because I don’t own a sewing machine. I just stuck to embroidering silly words on my clothes and paper. It then dawned on me that I could just hand sew. While it’s a bit more tedious, the results are very rewarding. The eve of my birthday, I cut off the sleeves off of a dress, cleaned up the edges with a back stitch, and tailored the edges so it fit better.

4. I have plants.

I’ve got a mini jungle on my windowsill. It’s pretty amazing if you ask me; succulents, cacti, and fairy plants line the ledge and I get to see them every day.

5. I made friends across the nation.

Honestly, most of them, if not all, are debaters. But, that doesn’t deny the fact that they’re great people to have in my life. I’ve got friends coast-to-coast and in between. Despite the distance between us, we share laughs and stories that travel miles.

6. I chopped my hair off.

This one happened a couple years ago, but still pretty sweet. I always thought super short hair was cool, and I finally decided to give it a try. In less than 48 hours, I decided to chop it all off. Now, I’ve gone even shorter with an undercut. In case you’re wondering, I did donate my hair. It was three pounds and several inches long – definitely more than a foot.

7. I modeled in a fashion show.

Less than a week before my birthday this year, I was invited to walk the runway in the I Am Back to School fashion show created by Sarah Edwards. It was all so fabulous; my outfit, the music, the venue, and the theme. The event promoted self confidence and kindness. It was a tremendous experience where I met so many amazing people and now get to brag about being a model for a night.

8. I went to a drive in.

My friend picked me up and we jammed to Lemonade for half an hour until we got to the drive-in. The last movie ended way past midnight and I had way too many chocolate Kisses by that point. It was loads of fun and I can’t wait for the next one.

9. I started making art regularly.

I’ve always been pretty bad at creating art as often as I’d like to, but I’ve finally stuck to it. I sketch, draw, or paint at least every week, if not daily. Lately, I’ve been slacking a bit, but I’ve nonetheless kept on track and made a habit of doing what I love. While every piece isn’t always completely finished or something that I love, it’s all great practice.

10. I flew on a plane all by myself.

Well, technically I wasn't all by myself, I was with a friend, but it was without an adult! Airports make me feel overwhelmed and I feel like I’m going to get lost despite all the signs to guide me. Thankfully, flying back from camp in Chicago, I got through security and onto the plane on time.

11. I took an AP class.

I thought AP US History was going to be the death of me, but hey, here I am! I didn’t fail the class or the national exam. APUSH opened the door to the next however many AP classes I’ll take in the upcoming two years.

12. I spent weeks away from home.

I spent a week in Salt Lake City, Utah for NSDA Speech and Debate Nationals, flew home, unpacked, repacked, and then less than 24 hours later, flew out to a two week camp. Even though I was home for a bit, I pretty much spent a month away from home.

13. I can go weeks without wearing pants.

This one’s a personal favorite. Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely despise wearing jeans and usually pants in general. I prefer skirts and dresses because a) they’re way more comfortable and b) pants rarely fit me well.

14. Ordered takeout.

I’m almost 100 percent positive I ordered takeout online for the first time either freshman or sophomore year. Now it’s something I do all the time with one of my teammates on the debate team. We order the same thing from our favorite Chinese place: lo mein, orange chicken, and sesame chicken. Totally healthy, I know.

15. I dyed my hair.

I actually did this several times in the span of a few months after freshman year. My hair was purple, then dark purple, then pink, and finally I let it fade to a bubblegum color. I then let my hair grow out and I had frosted tips for months after.

16. I’ve been on this planet for 16 years.

And finally, last but obviously not the least, I'm 16. In the 16 years I’ve been on Earth, I've experienced some pretty amazing things. I’m still young and have so much more ahead of me. I look forward to the last two years of high school, the beginning of my college career, and the rest of my life.