Although there is a lot I would change about myself, I do not think I will make a list this year of goals to accomplish, pounds to lose, or places to go. I think my only goal of 2018 is to write my thoughts and actions down frequently (thanks for the suggestion Breena) so I can be honest with myself and improve in small areas as the year goes on. As someone who does not like admitting her feelings to others, journaling can be a healthy way to deal with everything going on in my head. I never could really take journaling seriously in the past, but now I am putting all my preconceived notions about it aside to give it a fair chance. In regards to 2017, it was another year full of a TON of different stuff. It’s funny because when I was younger, all the years kind of blended together and nothing really changed between each one except the TV show I was binging. Now, every year seems drastically different from the previous one and I change my mind about everything. I guess that’s the thing about this time in my life – I’m exhausted from the constant change in everything I’m feeling and doing, but I would much rather be exhausted than stagnant like I was when I was younger.
So the highlights of 2017? I tried to take myself less seriously in school and have more fun instead. It made the spring semester one of my best academically and socially. I traveled to South Africa on a class trip. My family moved into a real house in Minnesota. I lived with my sister in Chicago and interned at a marketing agency. This whole experience made me fall in love with the idea of living in Chicago after graduation. I secured an internship for next summer and survived I-Core thanks to my supportive friends and amazing team. I started a new job on campus and really enjoyed getting life advice Tuesday and Thursday mornings from my boss. I made some new friends and strengthened my relationships with my old ones. However, 2017 came with some low points as well. The internship opportunity was awesome, but it came after countless rejections. My self confidence was the lowest it has ever been this past fall even though I seemed very sure of myself on the outside. I survived I-Core but was so consumed by stress the entire semester that I often shut out my friends, and couldn’t sleep at times because my mind kept racing. I argued with my mom this year more than I ever have. My grandma passed away. My aunt and uncle were in a terrible car accident and although they’re both recovering with no permanent damage (thankfully), I felt homesick at school not being able to help.
Needless to say, 2017 was an emotional rollercoaster. And I couldn’t have gotten through it without the support of my baes! Heidi and Breena – you guys mean more to me than anything and I am so proud to have you as my best friends. 2018 seems bright! I am always eager for a new start and a semester in Dublin will hopefully be an amazing chance at that. No matter what, everything always seems to work out. Peace out 2017!
-Niveda