Around this time a year ago, I was living life and enjoying every second of summer. I had just graduated high school and as the nostalgia passed me by, I began to look forward to my next adventure. I reflected back on the good and bad of high school, remembering the night at the end of my junior year when I decided that I would do everything I could to make my senior year the best one yet, and that's exactly what I did. I branched out of my routine and began turning each day into something special, something worthy of a memory. I was captain of my soccer team, played basketball together with some of my closest friends, and went out as much as I could. I met new people and created strong bonds, bonds that I could have never imagined would break. Last summer, I was on top of the world... Everything was perfect and while it was sad that we would all be moving on, we were grateful we still had one last summer to make it all worthwhile. Then one day, I felt it all disappear from underneath my feet.
The group I had spent an entire year with had split up into 4 separate groups, and in that instant I was all alone. I stayed in bed for an entire month. The only times I was found outside of my room were when I had work or needed something to eat or drink. I felt lost, alone, and as if I had no one. College seemed so far away and I had come to the conclusion that I would never be able to open up enough to allow myself to get close to anyone. I was in a dark place, but I refused to give up. The days I spent in bed crying made me realize that you can't wallow forever.
Somedays, even when it sucks, you have to get up and conquer the day. You have to pick yourself up and move on. A year ago today, I would have never imagined how good things could actually be. I have finished my first year of college and have the best friends a girl could ask for, both at school and at home. They pull me out of the darkest parts of my mind and make even ordinary days brighter and better. A year ago today, I would have never imagined that I'd be looking for an internship abroad. I never would have imagined that I would have been in the best shape of my life after working out every day since October. A year ago today I was a completely different person. A year ago today I lost so many of my friends to a fight we had amongst each other, but now I am stronger, happier and healthier. The journey wasn't easy to get to where I am now, but I am grateful for the obstacles and struggles because I wouldn't be me without them. A year ago today I was heartbroken, lost and confused, but a year later and you can barely see the damage.
