It’s been a year, y’all.
2018 began with the realization that I would be leaving my safe, college haven for the real world in a few short months. It continued with job changes, new faces, and some unforgettable memories sprinkled in between. Time went fast—so much that I forgot to stop and reflect on the blessings God brought me in each new day. So thank you, 2018. As you come and go, here are the top SIX things I am thankful for you bringing me:
1) Opportunity
With every closed door, God always came through with a new entrance. I was convinced that I would be jobless (for abouttt a week). Then, through the help of some amazing friends, I secured an internship at the Burnett Honors College that is currently one of my favorite places I’ve ever been. All the creativity. All the fun. All the support. It is like none other I’ve experienced before (s/o to the best work mom, Meredith!).
2018 also brought me opportunity through joining Quotes, the PR Club at UCF; interning with Townie Tourist; and through continuing to grow as a Social Media Content Creator for Next Level Social Media. I cannot WAIT to see where these lead me in 2019 (aka graduation).
2) National Champs
As many of you know, the UCF football team has played a remarkable season since their Peach Bowl win last January. Talk about starting 2018 on the right foot(ball)! Yet the experience of winning has shown me that the true national champs are those who sit beside me in the packed stadium: my friends. Thank you all for supporting me through sleepless nights, stress attacks, coffee dates, shopping trips, and all to come. You know who you are <3
3) Travel
Last December, my first trip to New York City sparked an interest in exploring more of this beautiful world. Since then I’ve taken a week-long cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, traveled to Texas for a retreat, seen the local gems of Central Florida that aren’t theme parks, and next month get to end my 2018 in New York City once again. If at all possible, travel. Take a day, a weekend, or a few weeks—just go and explore this amazing world. You won’t regret it.
4) Teej
2018 brought us three years of being together, and the first year being apart (physically, of course). It makes my heart happy to see you thriving in this new stage of adult life, enjoying every moment as you did in college. Here’s to another year of adventure, changes, and doing life together. I love ya, chief!
5) Health
PS, this troll photo was picked because it’s a family tradition of ours to take a troll photo in Epcot. Also I enjoy it. It’s funny that I should mention health on the unhealthiest day of the year, but it is something I am continuously thankful for. My life has been constant ups and downs for health, but it has never been anything more serious than numbers on a scale. This past summer I indulged a weeeeeee too much on camp food, so my current goal as 2018 ends is to get back on track. However, I have supportive family, friends, and resources to do just that.
Starting tomorrow, of course.
6) Creativity
At the start of 2018, my creative abilities were limited to writing the words on this page. I set out to change that. With the help of some creative mentors (Matt, Jonathan, Brandon, Teej, Jenny, to name a few) I’ve expanded my skill set to photography, graphic design, videography, and motion graphics. The only limit to learning is what your mind decides to do. If you push yourself, practice every day, and never settle, anything can happen. Believe it!
So, here’s to 2018.
The good.
The bad.
And every beautiful thing in between.
You’ve been good to me. Thanks fam.
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