In honor of Valentine’s Day, I feel it’s necessary to share some of the things I love in my life.

I’ll start with the basics: I love Disney. Disney music, Disney movies, Disneyland, and the hundreds of Disney theories all over the internet. Besides that the movies themselves are full of various meanings and interpretations. The values of family, the ability to be confident in one’s self, and the importance of friendship. However, Disney also holds its history behind it, which like any history isn’t all perfection. Racism, colonialism and the separation between classes can always be seen in these films, but it’s what we do with the messages they send that have always mattered to me.

I love chocolate. There’s really nothing more to this, but it’s necessary to mention it. Chocolate everything. It’s incredible.

I love reading, or more importantly, I love a great story. You know the kind, the ones that you start with the mindset of only reading 1-3 chapters because there’s other things to attend to, but before you know it you’re halfway through this book and decide you just have to finish it. The stories that leave you sitting still for minutes after because the book has given you way too many emotions to deal with, and you don’t know how to express them except with various "Wow’s" and "Oh my goodness's" here and there.

I love my friends. My crazy, supportive, loud, coffee sharing friends. They’re all so amazing to me, I just don’t know how I would’ve gotten through high school without them. For the friends who I still talk to almost every day, you’re helping me get through college too. Our crazy adventures are what I will always remember. Coffee dates, football games, and movie days. I’m so glad I have you all.

I love my family. I’m so grateful for them, and every moment with them is a new memory made. I love the way we are able to be. Weirdos under the same roof. I love being the oldest (even when it isn’t the easiest), and I love being able to be there for my brother and sister as they grow and excel in school. I love our adventures, our Monterey getaways. I love being able to spend time with them.