Happy New Year!
I still can't believe it's 2013 already. I woke up this morning thinking it was still December, and then it hit me. January 1 2013. A brand new day, a brand new year.
It doesn't feel like a whole new year yet. And why should it? 2012 was special. It was big, it was spectacular, it was an adventure. And I wasn't ready to let the adventure end.
Honestly, 2012 wasn't an easy year. I had to endure some really painful, difficult moments last year. But 2012 was a platform for growth. It showed me another side of myself I never knew I had - the more independent side. I was making big decisions for myself, going places I never imagined I'd go, and leaving my mark in the process.
I spent half the year worrying over the internship I needed to do for college credit. I poured my time into search engines and resumes. When my university turned down several internships that I proposed, I was crushed. Time was running out and I didn't have a specific plan for my summer yet. I finally found the ideal summer internship with Lusso Bags, a company based in San Diego with a strong passion to improve the community and to put an end to human trafficking.
Unfortunately, my university refused to grant me college credit for that. I was told I could go ahead and do the internship anyway, but I'd still have to do another internship that would count for college credit or I wouldn't be able to graduate. So I spent my summer as an online intern for Lusso Bags. I learned a lot during those few months. Most of my responsibilities involved researching, interviewing and writing. I got the chance to interview some inspirational individuals with a huge heart for the human condition. I felt honored to be on the receiving end of their information.
I also traveled to New York for a month during the summer. I stayed with my mom's family friends, who treated me with so much kindness. They took care of me and ensured that I had a good time in the city. I felt incredibly blessed! :) I could not have asked for a more generous and hospitable family in New York.
I was nervous about getting around on my own but I learned to overcome that fear. New York taught me to be tougher and more independent. I had to quicken my pace to match the city's. It wasn't so hard after a while. I loved it there. I vowed to return. That's why I'm heading to New York this month. I plan to get a job there. Wish me luck!
And then I graduated with a summa cum laude. I outdid myself. I wasn't expecting to graduate with such a high distinction, so I was totally caught off guard when the news arrived. But I owe all of this to God. He made this possible. I couldn't have done it on my own. He deserves the highest praise and glory for all the good things He did in my life.
So much more has happened last year that shaped me into a better person. To list everything here would take another 50 paragraphs or more. :P But I must say that I'm grateful for everything and everyone I encountered. I really am.
I faced things. I failed sometimes. I learned from them. I grew.
But I owe it all to my support system - the friends and family who never left my side, the people who loved and encouraged me and cheered me on, the ones who gave me the strength to run this marathon when I lacked the energy or the drive.
2012 was amazing! I wouldn't trade it for anything else. Those memories were irreplaceable! :) The fun doesn't stop there. It believe it will spill into 2013, coloring the year with more joy than ever.
The adventure continues. ;)
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