It's easy to forget everything you do in a year. It's easy to totally gloss over everything that has shaped who you are in the past year. It's easy to not stop and be grateful for everything that has happened to you.
So that's what I'm not going to do today. I'm going to list twelve things in the last year that I am grateful for, one for every month. As I look back through my calendar and my photos, I'll put some pictures in there as well.
I encourage you to do the same and start your 2019 off on a good note. With all the negativity going on in the world, it's easy to keep the pessimism going. Be that positive person and I promise it will make you and everyone around you happier.
January: Basketball games
One thing I did in the spring semester was going to every home basketball game. That energy I felt at each game gave me the strength to make it through the dreary weeks (as cliche as that sounds). Basketball games were the highlight of every week and made me stop to be a part of something bigger.
February: Work-study
"Allegra, why did this make the list? It's a dumb job." Good question. Having a work-study job has been one of the most beneficial things about going to college. It's given me a whole other perspective regarding how the student centers work and the man-hours it takes to set up a large event. It makes me thankful that there are adults as well as students making sure we have the best time possible on campus.
March: Live From Studio B
This late-night comedy show takes up so much of my time on campus and I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. These people make me cry from laughter. They teach me so much about myself and the industry I want to go into. They're dedicated, hard-working, intelligent, funny as hell, and frankly, one of the best groups of people this side of the Finger Lakes.
April: My family
April 1st was Easter which meant I went down to Virginia to meet my parents at my sister's college, James Madison University. These people get me through life when it seems too tough to go on. I love them so much and I'm thankful for them every single day of my life.
May: The start of summer
Don't get me wrong, I love college, but I love it when I can see the sun too. Getting to the beach as soon as school lets out is the number one priority and this year, I spent a lot of time at various beaches. The ocean is my happy place and it will be forever.
June: Adventures
Whether it's to New York City, Philadelphia, or outdoor Imagine Dragons concerts, I cherish every adventure I get to go on with my friends. It's so fun to explore and go to random places with them, creating memories I won't soon forget.
July: Vacations
In July, my family and I took a road trip from New Jersey to Florida, making stops along the way. I've done that drive before but when I was much smaller. This time, I took everything in and saw parts of the country that I've never seen. We ended the trip in Orlando and went to Disney and Universal, two of the best places on earth. And yes, I did shed a tear or two seeing the fireworks show over the castle.
August: Job stability
I've mentioned this a few times in my articles, but I work at a clothing store when I'm not up at school. As much as I complain about the hours I have to work, having a job at home is something I've been grateful for since the beginning. I've worked since I was 16 and this job, by far, has the best group of co-workers I've ever had. Their zany selves get me through long work days and it's great being around a variety of people. Not to mention, my managers are the best and hire me back every time I'm home for break.
September: Los Angeles
People love making fun of me and jokingly ask "Oh my God Allegra, did you go to LA?" When they first did it, it did anger me slightly, but then I remembered where I was lucky enough to study. Los Angeles has been eye-opening in terms of learning how my industry operates. The things I've learned there are invaluable and having the opportunity to study there is still mind-boggling.
October: Meeting new people
You don't realize how many new people you meet in a year until you try to remember who they all are. I met people from my job, my program, other programs at Syracuse, and just around LA. I'm better for meeting all of those people who all taught me just a little bit more about myself and the person I want to become.
November: Finding a home
Thanksgiving did not involve me going home this year. My roommates and I improvised and had a full-blown Thanksgiving feast in our apartment made for 4. At its peak, about 20 people were in my apartment, eating, drinking, chatting, and enjoying each other's company. It made me realize that you can find a slice of home wherever you go. You just need to be bold enough to find it.
December: Modern technology
The technology to bring us to places we've never been before. The technology to connect us with anyone anywhere at any time. The technology to make you feel comforted even thousands of miles away from home.
That being said, this is my last article for The Odyssey. Thank you all for reading. It truly means so much that I'm able to write whatever I'd like once a week and it means even more that someone reads it. Peace and love. Keep on keeping on. <3
