When 2013 began, I had a clear idea of how I expected things to transpire.  You would think that after over 20 years on this planet I would have recognized that life is not easily planned.  Long 365-day story short, I am standing on the verge of 2014 realizing that nothing ever really happens the way that you expect it to.

For a long time, I was bitter and angry about what did not go my way.  But recently, I’ve started to realize that I’ve had the wrong attitude this whole time.  While a cursory reading of this year would allow me to believe that there was far more good than bad, it’s easy to get caught up in the perceived losses.  Fortunately for me, the people that I have chosen to surround myself with refuse to let me be a bitter person.  Rather, I have learned several very important pieces of information.

First, if a day or a week or a year feels like it’s been bad, it is necessary to take a moment to recognize that the bad is making you better.  You just have to choose growth.  That’s often the hard part, but as I get older, I’m starting to recognize that the sooner you accept what has happened, the sooner you’ll feel better.  Easier said than done, of course, but we’re all learning.  Which leads me to the second piece of advice I have from 2013, which is to forgive the people in your life when they make mistakes, especially if you want them to forgive you when you make mistakes.  None of us is perfect and pretending like we are just causes even more problems.  Rather, we should attempt to recognize the faults and growth of others and move on.  And then we have the third piece of advice I can offer– If people are making New Year’s resolutions around you, don’t scoff at them.  We have to stop tearing each other down out of envy or spite.  Maybe this is a lesson that feels like it belongs in kindergarten, but when you’re pleasant with other people, your own life improves as well.

Additionally, I have learned to try to not take myself as seriously.  I have had so much fun letting things go and I am so excited to see what’s going to happen next.  My whole life I’ve been waiting for something big to happen, and I genuinely hope that this year is the year that I make those things happen for myself.  I think New York is calling me, and I would be a fool to not listen.

Of course, these changes are terrifying and I would be incredibly thankless to not grieve the end of the time I have spent at Duquesne.  I can honestly say college, despite its ups and downs, has been the greatest experience of my life.  The Bluff is and always will be the first place I ever felt like I belonged somewhere.

On a personal note, I have been so supported and loved this year it has been unreal.  To my Duquesne friends who gave multiple shoulders to cry on and endless hours of advice, you are the greatest people I have ever known and I am so sad that my time with you on our bluff is running out.  I hope the next 4 months are full of love and laughter, and I can’t wait to see you all succeed in the future.  I love you all so dearly and can’t believe how lucky I am to have had the privilege to get to know you.

To my high school friends, every year I find a new reason to feel grateful that our friendships have lasted so long.  You’ve seen me at my best and my worst, and I cannot begin to thank you for staying through it all.

To my family, there aren’t enough words for me to say everything I have to say to you so I’ll keep it short and sweet- Thank you.  I love you.

Everyone please be safe tonight and have a great time.  I wish you all the best in 2014 and hope that it is a year where you grow and a year where good things happen to you.

Much love xoxo.