Around this time last year, I wrote a long post on all of the things I accomplished at 21 years old. That year was filled with incredible experiences, and I felt the need to capture them to be able to read them in the future. I’m so glad I did because today, as I turn 23, I went back and read it, and remembered those happy times, those moments filled with pride and joy.
I don’t necessarily want to turn 23. It’s inevitable, I know. I loved being 21 and 22, I accomplished so much and really had great times overall. Last week, I was so negative about this birthday approaching. However, as I sit here now and write this, I’m thinking: why in the world wouldn’t 23 be just as happy and joyful and rewarding of a year? It’s almost funny, this fear of the unknown: I tend to dwell in the past and not worry about the future. I never even talk about the future, fearing that I could spoil it or something, if I did.
I’m trying to change my mentality. I’m trying to envision my future as sort of an investment. I’m trying to use it to make plans, to be better. But at the same time, I don’t want to lose that side of me that enjoys looking back on all the things that are already done and checked off. The side of me that likes to look back at memories and good times. Therefore, this post is for that side of me.
This is more of a personal post, but if you’re into it, sit back and enjoy this recap of times when I was really Feelin’ 22.
A Successful First Year of Master
If you know me, you know that I act so tough but I’m scared of pretty much anything. My Master’s degree was no exception. I knew I’d be just fine, I knew I could do it. But it was just scary. However, I’m happy to say that not only I aced all my classes this year, but I made long lasting friendships and I’m in the process of building a huge professional network. Good things take time, but they’re happening. Now bring on a few more months of school, I am ready.
Study Abroad
Something amazing that came out from going to grad school was study abroad. Did I ever think that I’d study abroad at some point? No, not really – because technically, I’m already studying abroad. Instead, I decided to take the leap and go for it. I had to save tons of money, take a leave of absence from work and go to class everyday and do tons of homework while on the trip, even when I was on the verge of literally falling asleep. Was it all worth it? Absolutely. Big fan. Had the time of my life. (Read about my time in Munich and my day trip to Salzburg here).
Cannes Lions
Incredible things happened in Cannes while on my study abroad trip. I want to write a real post about it soon, but for the moment I will limit my story to the fact that I attended the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, a premiere festival of advertising that I had only dreamed of ever visiting.
Also, since life is a beautiful and an unpredictable experience, I managed to meet one of my idols there, Mikaela Shiffrin. It was a surreal day.
My First Job out of School
Got a job. Is it a big deal? Not necessarily. People do it all the time. Does it make me feel like a grown up? It sure does. I also have/had some amazing coworkers. Thanks for making it fun to come work every day.
Collabs and Campaigns
If you told me last year around my birthday that soon enough my blog would get me partnerships with brands like FILA and Clarisonic, I would have literally laughed in your face. And yet, it has most certainly happened. Don’t ask me how. And please don’t pinch me. I like it like that! (Cue the Cardi B).
Check out my Clarisonic post here and my FILA post here. Shoutout also to all the rest of the brands who really believed in me: Promptly Journals, Her Campus Media and especially Travelon, with whom I have just secured a second partnership that I cannot wait to put together. It’s been hard work, blogging and working with brands as I literally work full time and go to grad school full time. But it has been SO WORTH IT. Wouldn’t change it for the world. This blog is my baby. I love it so much.
Dope Concerts
I’ve seen a ton of great concerts and artists this past year. In no particular order, for example:
Mipso (3rd time’s a charm), Dua Lipa, Lawrence, Fall Out Boy, Machine Gun Kelly, Post Malone, The Temptations, Juanes, Khalid, Camila Cabello, Logic, The Weeknd, Portugal The Man, Lil Uzi Vert and Bruno Mars, a personal favorite. I also saw One, Cirque Du Soleil’s Michael Jackson show. That really was outstanding. If you’re ever in Vegas, do yourself a favor and go see it.
All of These First times
I always find it fun to think back on all the things you did for the first time in the past year. This year was full of those, too. It was my first time going to the Auto Show, my first time going to the Casino, the first time I went apple picking and the first time I bet on horse races. Plus I gambled in Vegas, hiked multiple canyons, and played darts and got really into it. More on that later this year, actually. I have fun plans regarding darts. Like, real fun.
The Olympics
They happened. I’m obsessed with them. If the Olympics happen, it’s a good year. Read my recaps here: Week One and Week Two.
The Recap
If you consider that I visited about a dozen US States since my last birthday, as well as six different countries, boarding 22 flights, plus went to work and school full time, that doesn’t leave much time for anything else. Except it does, given that since my last birthday, I wrote exactly twenty-three blog posts. Pretty weird coincidence, isn’t it. 23.
This year has taught me that I need to work hard for things. They won’t just magically appear. However, when you do work hard, and you’re consistent, magical things happen. What a year, 22. Bring on 23!