It is crazy to think about where you were a year ago, about how much has changed in your life and in the world around you. A year ago, Britain was still part of the EU. A year ago, we all thought Donald Trump running for president was a joke (I'm still waiting for it to be). But also, a year ago in your personal life, you were someone different. You have since then learned new things about yourself and about the people around you. Maybe you went on an adventure this past year and learned something about yourself. Maybe you learned something new about the world we live in.

But I know that a year ago for me, I was a totally different person. I wasn't living on my own in a city I barely knew. I wasn't single and having to go make new friends and meet new guys. But, I learned more about myself in this past year than I had learned in the previous four years.

I learned that I am strong enough to hold my own and make myself happy. I learned that sometimes people say something that you think will be true forever, but you later learn it isn't. I learned that sometimes, the things that hurt the most are the best things for you. In a year, I learned that I probably should not be a dog owner just yet, but a hedgehog is perfect for me. In a year, I learned that just because someone is giving you scholarship money, it doesn't mean they define you. In a year, I learned that sometimes an app can give you one of your best friends. But I also learned a little bit of advice I'm going to share with you.

"Don't ever let someone else define your happiness." Plain and simple, but so much meaning. For a while, I let people make my own decisions and kind of led me towards what they want. This went all the way back to middle school. I pushed it off as, "I'm just going with the flow," but about three months ago I realized that was not the case. I realized that I was letting people walk all over me because I didn't want to cause drama or friction in people's lives. I was letting people define my own happiness. I had some amazing friends who I love and they support me and don't try and control my happiness who finally told me, "Summer, this is bullsh*t. Stand up for yourself." So I finally did. I finally stopped letting people control me and make my decisions. I finally did the things that I wanted to do because I wanted to do them. And I will tell you this, I could not be happier. I was finally in control of my own happiness. So, control your own happiness and think about where you were a year ago. Then think about where you want to be in a year and get yourself there.

Peace and blessings.