In recent years, I have devoted every waking moment to photography and journalism.

However, although these have been passions of mine for as long as I can remember, they aren't my only passions.

Growing up, I always loved to write. It wasn't until my senior year of high school that I truly fell in love with journalism. Before then, I loved to write short stories and poetry. That's one of the main reasons I began writing for Odyssey UCF - to continue fostering my love for storytelling.

As graduation nears, I've been reflecting on all of my true passions, past and present. I began painting again since I have always loved every part of the arts, not just photography. And I look forward to continuing these lost passions once I graduate and actually have a moment to myself.

Although I strongly believe that photojournalism is my calling and life and will forever be my number one passion, I think it's important to me, and everyone else, to continue to develop the hobbies and skills we love, even if they don't relate to our careers.

I plan to create a painting/drawing series for the first apartment I live in after graduation. It makes me sad that I haven't had the chance to create as much art as I used to, and I am so eager to get back into it. I also want to write a series of poems about my experiences over the past couple of years that I can share with my own children one day.

As for photography and journalism, those passions of mine are lifelong and will never die. I hope that taking time to myself will help me realize a way to marry all of my passions into a happy, prosperous lifestyle. That is my greatest New Year's resolution, and I encourage you to do the same.

Happy Holidays! I hope your holiday season is full of love and reason.