Another year has passed and I am another year older. This one has been crazy and I’ve gone through lot. I started and finished my first year of college and didn't break down crying, well at least not in public. I joined clubs, made friends and branched out of my comfort zone and I am so thankful I did.

This year I learned a lot both in school and about myself. I learned that biology isn't as easy and that being a biology major definitely isn't something you can take lightly. After receiving a solid C average my first semester as a bio-major I realized it just wasn't for me. I had always loved science, and I still do, but the way the courses were being taught just didn't excite me or interest me at all. Thankfully I had the help and encouragement of many people who helped me land in a new major and path that truly makes me excited about my future. I am now a Globalization Studies major with a minor in Public Health and I plan on attending law school after I am done with my undergrad.I started taking courses I genuinely was interested in and knew I would do good in. I got four A’s and one B my second semester which set me back on track to be successful. It set me up to strive hard to do my best for my remaining years in school.

This summer I took my first trip to Europe. I have never been to Europe, let alone out of the country (besides to Canada, but does that really count?) and to be able to go with my entire family was something really special. On our trip we visited my mothers family in Germany, spending four days in Berlin and then the remaining in Bremerhaven in Northern Germany where my mothers family lives. We also took a four day trip to London, England at the end of our German adventures. I fell absolutely in love with London and can not wait for the day I get to go back and maybe even possibly live there?!?! This trip was amazing and not one I will soon forget! The trip inspired me to want to travel again and it inspired me so much that I am going to study abroad next semester.

(Me saying a bitter sweet goodbye to the coast of Bremerhaven,Germany)

Thats right for four months in the Spring of 2017 I will be studying abroad in Stockholm, Sweden. I am beyond excited for this experience to begin and can not wait to get to Stockholm and have the time of my life. While I’m there I will be taking courses focused in Public Health and in Gender and Sexuality Studies, I’m also taking a course on Swedish language and culture and one in Scandinavian crime fiction, just for fun!

This year I also branched out and did something completely out of my comfort zone. I joined a fraternity. At first I was apprehensive to join because of the stigma that comes along with fraternities and the stories that I had heard about them. However after hearing what this specific pre-law fraternity could offer me I decided to join, and I am so glad I did. I have met some of the most amazing people and made some of the most amazing friends that I don't know what I would do if they weren't in my life. They also inspired me to get more involved on campus as a whole and to even consider running for a spot on the Student Association Senate.

(Some of my gorgeous beauties are not in this picture but I want them to know that I love them just as much!)

All in all this year has been eventful and I’ve realized a lot. I realized that its okay to change your mind and that you don't really need to know what you want to do with your life at the age of 19, although it does help. I learned that people will like me if I am just myself and that i shouldn't suppress who I am in order to please someone else. I also learned that no one can do it all alone, everyone needs someone to help them through the lows and celebrate with them through the highs.

So, thank you to everyone who made 19 great and I hope you will all join me in making 20 great as well!