I am a creature of habit, and I like my traditions.
Speaking of, I have a tradition that I do every year, more specifically at the end of the year. I call this tradition my Good Things Jar. I know, creative name, right? Basically, it's just a mason jar that I decorate. But the important thing is what's inside of the jar.
Starting on January 1, every single good thing that happens to me, no matter how minuscule or monumental it is, is written on a piece of paper and added to the jar. On December 31, you take out the papers and read them, remembering all the good things you did, felt or accomplished throughout the year.
The first slip of paper that is added to the jar on January 1st is your New Year's Resolution. And exactly one year ago, my resolution consisted of just two simple words:
Write more.
At the time, I was a newly declared Broadcasting major. My heart was set on being on the radio. Writing was just a side job, a flame without a candle. My resolution served as a reminder that I didn't want to lose sight of that passion while I focused my attention elsewhere.
I put the slip of paper in my jar and vowed to keep my personal promise. Three days later, I received a message from my classmate and now Editor in Chief, asking me if I'd be interested in writing for Odyssey.
And while 2017 was a roller coaster of experiences and emotions, one thing always remained constant: my love of the written word.
Flash forward to today. I'm going into the end of my sophomore year a journalism major. Not only am I a content creator for Odyssey, but I'm also the proud Social Media Director for my team. I learned to embrace my passions instead of pushing them to the side.
It's amazing how much your life can change when you follow your heart because it always leads you to the things you love.