Reflections on 2009

2009. This has been quite a dynamic year, at least for me anyway. This was a year of transition: from the last half of our senior year in high school to the first semester of our freshman year in college. It really is unbelievable that so many things have happened this year. In Spring there were AP tests, track meets (at Yale!), prom, and most of us couldn't believe that high school was almost over already. Then there was graduation; where we said goodbye to high school, teachers, and most of the people we've spend the last 4+ years with.

The summer was one to remember. We couldn't wait to go to college, but still crammed in as much fun as possible before we had to leave. There were parties and get-togethers. I remember some beach days... and like 30 people in my living room playing Taboo. And then we went to college where we met a ton of new people, had different classes (some of them excruciatingly difficult!), and found ourselves in a whole new realm of possibility. We were free to do whatever we wanted... stay out all night, join a team or club, go out partying... and all of this without a curfew!

Reflecting on this year I realize that I've learned a lot. I've come a step closer to finding myself, what I want, and appreciating life. So I've compiled a bunch of random things I've learned in '09:
1) Not everything works out the way you might have planned.
2) It's okay to change your mind(Whether you realized that you don't actually want to be a doctor or that maybe a relationship isn't the right thing for you right now. It's ok)
3) All of the stupid HS drama has no significance in the real world.(In fact, you probably won't keep in touch with half of the people from HS)
4) If a guy acts like he's genuinely not interested... he's not interested. End of story.
5) Even if you find yourself in a bad situation, it's your responsibility to make it a learning situation so you don't make the same mistakes.
6) Actions really do speak louder than words. (Whether it's your roomates surprising you on your birthday, a friend taking care of you when you're sick, or your lab partner buying you a cupcake for helping him study until 4am ;)... it's true)
7) There is a fine line between "not being superficial" and "not trusting your instincts."
8) Sometimes a kiss is just a kiss... sometimes it means more than that.
9) Never let a minimum wage job dictate your life (especially if it's one where you sprain your wrist scooping ice-cream!)
10) Your roomates can become like a second family to you (picking up on eachothers phrases, cuddlycoos!, or wondering "Where's Karen?")
11) Just because you aren't "with" someone doesn't mean you don't still love them.
12) Your family really does miss you when you are away at college (mom makes all my favorite foods when I'm home... and the cat follows me everywhere)
13) Something you read in class might just change your outlook on life.
14) Lady Gaga is the best for study breaks!... and your RA (along with the guys across the hall) can hear you singing "The Sound of Music" during late hours of the night
15) This year was just the beginning of a new chapter of our lives...

Happy New Year everyone! I hope this year brings you amazing experiences, good health, and happiness.