If you’re thinking this is going to be a writeup about how my 2017 went, well, you’re right. Being able to reflect upon the past 365 days not only has led me to be humble and full of gratitude by the opportunities that came my way during the past two semesters at Merrimack, it has given me strength and courage about my upcoming future.

Although I have had many tough days throughout this year, I have also had many of those “moments,” you know, where the instance is so perfect it almost makes you sad because you know that it will end soon. I have also had those “moments” where you realize what kind of person you are becoming, whether that be by certain situations you have come into, or if you have had an epiphany, if you will. Being able to live in the moment is a concept that I still struggle with, however, I have realized that being the crazy, Type-A planner that I am is a part of me as an individual. Yes, I do believe that going with what life gives you is critical for all aspects of growing up but being able to plan and knowing what the day is going to bring is important for a person’s future and career. Near the end of the year, I have finally began to accept the person whom I have become over the last 19 ½ years: I’m a bookworm. I crave quality conversations with the people that I love. I could jam to 90s music all day long. I value my self worth, which leads me to the following.

Learning about self worth is an idea that never meant much to me until last year. Knowing what’s truly best for you, both for your mental and emotional health, is something that should truly be prioritized to an individual. Having the capability to end a toxic friendship or relationship can be intimidating at first, but after awhile, you begin to realize how much happier you are. Furthermore, surrounding yourself with people that bring out the crazy, outgoing, sentimental, open side of you are the people to keep in your life. Considering I am a college student, I have been exposed to many types of people, and some of those people are my best friends. Surrounding yourself with people who don't support you, who don't appreciate you as a human being, and who don't genuinely love you as a person are not worth having in your life. Over the course of the year, I have removed people from my life for the benefit of me. Since then, I have realized who is important and vital in my life and who isn't.

Who knows what this year could bring: new friendships, more traveling, tough times, endless opportunities. But whatever this year holds for me, I am more than ready to embrace it.