Wow. Honestly, it is amazing how quickly time passes! 365 days... 2,087 hours... 525,600 minutes...
In this time the Earth had a full revolution— the planet is in the exact same spot it was a year ago, but everything feels different. As cliche as it sounds, I've changed. I've matured. I've laughed. I've cried. I've loved. I've hated. I've grown.
Whenever another birthday quickly approaches the horizon, I always say to myself, "Another year... What the hell happened in between then and now?" From the past 365 days, the past 2,087 hours, or the past 525,600 minutes, I want to recount pivotal points— the good and the bad— that were the most memorable of this past year.
Here are my 12 memories of year 21.
1. My 21st birthday.
Okay, obviously a given, but it was awesome... from what I remember.
2. The worst course load of my life: Fall 2015.
Don't even get me started. A wise woman, my mother, told me I'd regret this semester. And per usual, mothers are always right. A typical week for me during this semester included: working 20 hours a week, taking 18 hours, having an internship, and leading an organization. I thought I could handle it. I thought everything would work out. Well, let's just say now I only take 12 hour semesters.
3. New friendships.
Friendships faded away between high school and junior year, and I really didn't feel like I had a solid core of friends. Ultimately, my jobs and organizations on-campus really brought me close with my best friends. These are the type of friends I see myself knowing for years past college.
4. My parents 25th anniversary.
There's nothing more exciting and heart-warming than seeing your parents look into each other's eyes as if they had just said their vows.
... I'm not crying or anything. It's my contacts, I promise.
5. Seeing my friends again who studied abroad.
Both my fall and spring semesters last year, I had friends travel abroad to France and other countries. Although time zones and communication was always a bar, I have never felt closer or more a part of my friends lives.
6. Summer vacation at Disney World & Universal Studios.
Even as an adult, going to Disney World is freaking fantastic. The adrenaline junkie in me died riding on the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios. Also, Orlando Studios is amazing. I felt like I was reliving my childhood at Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. It was a fantastic destination, but not nearly as fantastic as the company and the photographs— they were perfect.
7. Finally being able to take myself out to the movies without feeling awkward about it.
Honestly, though!!! I wish I had discovered this sooner! Taking yourself out on a date and not being hinged to another person is, first, a learning experience. There may come a time where I pursue an endeavor or opportunity that's far away from my family and friends. Feeling confident and comfortable with oneself to go out and eat dinner or watch a movie by yourself, in my opinion, shows a different level of maturity. And these "me dates" were great! I got to do everything I wanted to.
8. The passing of a close friend.
On one of the more serious notes, I had a close friend pass away and it was one of the most challenging moments to comprehend and accept. It was the hardest thing to go through. It was rough. I didn't understand it and I didn't want to understand it. In times of stress, I tend to become very recluse and avoid people entirely, but this wasn't something I could sort out or process by myself. Seeking help from friends and family really saved me. Although the passing of my friend was tough and at times unbearable, I became so close with people I had never envisioned would be there to support me.
9. Practicing my religion again.
Different circumstances throughout the year made me begin to start to try to incorporate Catholicism back into my life. My upbringing definitely incorporated Catholicism into daily life, and beginning the steps to re-enter the Catholic faith really comforted me.
10. Spending my spring break doing service.
This past spring break, I had the opportunity with my university to go to an Apache Reservation and immerse myself in the culture, customs, and spiritual practices of the Apache tribe. I also had the opportunity to learn about social justice issues affecting the reservation and those whom live there.
11. The discovery of Spotify.
Spotify >> Pandora Radio; 'nuff said.
12. Not feeling bad about saying no.
Learning to balance myself over other people has always been a struggle, but I came to the realization that sometimes it is important to be selfish. Remembering to put yourself and your needs before others helps prevent burnout; this is especially important in my Resident Assistant position.
