And just like that, I’m 22.

I just listened to 22 by Taylor Swift – which is something I really couldn’t wait to do, I’m so excited that this day has finally arrived! – and reflected on the past year, on all the great things that I was blessed with during my time as a 21-year-old.

So, this post is a little different from the usual ones: it’s more personal, and it’s sort of a recap of the past 365 days.

I am extremely content with the past year. I did everything I wanted to do and more. It was a busy year, but it was all worth it. These events are in no particular order and are simply some pleasant reminders of all the good that has happened this year.

First of all, I graduated. I graduated summa cum laude with two majors and a minor, a 3.87 GPA, in exactly four years. Graduating with the highest honors after my university had waitlisted me before admitting me four years ago was absolutely the best feeling ever.

Not only I graduated, but I was also admitted to grad school with two scholarships. I started my Master’s program a month ago and so far I am loving it.

Last November, I saw the Cubs win the world series, right here in my backyard. Words cannot express what it means to be part of an historical event such as witnessing the first world series in 108 years and the dismantling of a curse. On top of that, living in Wrigleyville during the event was absolutely surreal.

I have started my blog. It took courage, and it’s taking work and perseverance, but I have never been so proud of doing something that is completely mine. I look at my blog and I am take pride in being able to say “Wow, I did that!”. It isn’t much yet, there is still a lot of work and writing to do. But I took that step and I will never regret it!

I have visited 6 countries, 9 US states and God knows how many different cities! I’ve traveled, seen friends and family all around the world, and visited new and magical places. I can only hope that I get to travel just as much during my time as a 22-year-old.

Speaking of traveling, I boarded a total of 18 flights since my last birthday. This really isn’t about setting a record of any kind, but I do love keeping track of my travels. The more I travel, the happier I am, and I strongly believe that money spent on traveling is never wasted. This number 18 means so much to me, because it gives me an idea of how much I actually traveled this year – spoiler alert: a lot! That just makes me happy!

I have visited New York City twice in the past year. That itself is very significant, but what matters the most to me are the reasons why I did so: the first time was in December, when I had the honor of being part of a group of selected students that toured the best PR and advertising agencies in the big apple. It reminded me of why I want to pursue this career and why I need to study and do my best. The second time, I was there to see my best friend from Italy, who was there with the Italian navy. I was so honored to attend their party on board and so glad to spend time with her.

Over the past year until the beginning of May, I served as the Assistant Director of Fundraising for a non for profit student organization called DemonTHON. I was part of a group of amazing people that raised $276,261.50 for the kids at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. It was an incredibly inspiring mission that I will forever cherish.

I skied down an Olympic slope. Precisely one from Vancouver 2010, in Whistler, Canada. For someone who loves skiing as much as I do, it was a crazy experience!

I celebrated five years in this country, and most importantly, five years in the greatest city of all: Chicago, Illinois. I have an undeniable love for the city of Chicago and I know that, although I’m a traveler, Chicago is the place for me – at least for now! I never regret choosing to live here and stay here. Here’s to many more years!

I’ve seen a ton of great concerts and performances over the past year. I’ve seen my favorite country singer Luke Bryan in concert, as well as my favorite folk/Americana artist, Rhiannon Giddens. I’ve also been to performances by Rag’N’Bone Man, Zara Larsson, Lil Yachty, Tove Lo, Blink 182, Lorde (for two songs), Rae Sremmurd, Wiz Khalifa and Big Sean. Not music related, I’ve even seen the US Gymnastics team perform, which was a dream!

I also had the best internship I could’ve ever asked for at The Joffrey Ballet, and went to see the ballet twice because of that. I bathed myself in pure art. I am reborn.

I finally decided, back in January, to get into physical exercise again doing something that I love and that I never get bored of. I will certainly write a blog post about this in the future, but for now I’m going to simply say that I found my motivation to stay fit at AIR. I’ve seen myself improve a lot since I’ve started training there, and I love that it ties back to my gymnastics and circus background. It’s a lot of fun and I highly recommend it.

I made new friends and cherished my old ones. I spent a lot of time with my friends during the past year, which out of all of these small accomplishments, is probably the one that makes me the happiest. My friends, my boyfriend and my family have been the best support system, asking nothing in return.

Last but not least, this year was full of “first times”. I did so many things for the first time. Babysitting. Tractor pull races. Shooting fireworks on the Fourth of July. Kayaking with my dog. Paddleboarding. Hosting Friendsgiving. Roasting a turkey. Eating Poutine. Trying tons of new restaurants. Biking on a real street (for those of you who don’t know, I can’t really ride a bike!). Cooking SO many new dishes for the first time. And so much more!

I can only hope that the next year will be just as full of opportunities, friends, travels and first times as this past year was. And now, as you Americans always say: BRING ON 22!