2018 has been a crazy year, both in the world and for me personally — I have made so changes and grown so much in that time.
At the end of every year, Spotify releases a review of your year in music along with a curated playlist of your top 100 songs. I always find it so interesting to see how my music taste has evolved and how what I am going through influences what I listen to. Below is a list of 7 songs that encapsulate my 2018 — make sure to check out the playlist on Spotify.
1. Bomb Dot Com V2.0 by Sleeping with Sirens
Photo Credit: genuis.com
Coincidentally this is also my number one played song on my Spotify wrapped playlist, which of course means it was an important song this year. I have honestly listened to this song more times than I can count.
I came across this song about 3 or 4 years ago when I was in a bad place in my life. I was overwhelmed by anxiety and turned to this song as a coping strategy. You would think that it is a slow calming song, but actually it’s hardcore punk with heavy guitar and screaming. It really helps drown out the world around me so I can try to think clearly. Now, whenever I’m feeling anxious or stressed I’ll play this song.
2. I’m Eighteen – Alice Cooper
Photo Credit: Wall Street Journal
One really fun thing about this year is the fact that I actually turned 18. Alice Cooper’s song really encapsulates what it’s like to be eighteen. Growing older and not really knowing what I’m doing. My whole life I’ve wanted to be an adult because they always seemed so put together and sure of themselves. Though at this point, I’ve realized everyone is a little (or very much) lost. Being eighteen is the just the first step in adulthood and finding out who I am and what I want from life.
3. Hey Now by Hillary Duff
I was lucky enough to be able to go to Italy this past February with a bunch of my friends. While I didn’t find my celebrity doppelganger and perform at an Italian music award show, I still had the time of my life. Italy is such a beautiful place and definitely what dreams are made of. It was such a great experience being able to go, since it’s where my family is from. And yes, I ate a lot of cannoli and gelato.
4. Hey, Look Ma I Made it by Panic! at the Disco
One of the best things that happened to me this year is that I got into college. I specifically chose this song by Panic! At the Disco for a few reasons. One, it’s part of Panic! At the Disco’s new album (it slaps btw). Two, Panic! At the Disco is one of my favorite artists. Three, my mom. Over the years my mom has given up so much for me so that I could have a bright future. I owe so much to her. When I got into BU, she was the first person I told. I am so glad to have been able to make my mom proud.
5. Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
Another really big thing that happened to me in 2018 is I graduated high school. Unwritten was the song that was sung at my graduation, and as cliché as it sounds, is the perfect song for the occasion. Graduation is the end of just one chapter of my life, but not the end of my book.
6. Fight the power by Public Enemy
Not to sound like a nerd or anything, but I have been waiting for my chance to vote forever. It’s crazy to think that my first election was such an important one that made history. I can’t believe I was part of something so monumental. Fight the power really exhibits the earnest effort of the young people to take back the government even in the face of obstacles like voter suppression and registration issues.
7. Who You Are by Jessie J
This song is really important for people struggling with self-confidence and self-love. Jessie J lets us know that it’s okay to not be okay.
This year, while a lot of great things happened, I struggled a lot with anxiety and losing confidence in myself. College rejections are really hard to deal with. You start to critique yourself, trying to figure out why a college wouldn’t want you. And then starting college is really hard, especially for someone like myself that suffers from social anxiety. You feel judged by everyone around you and wonder if you’ll ever fit in. But “tears don’t mean you’re losing, everybody’s bruising/there’s nothing wrong with who you are.” Everyone is just as scared as you, just remember to be true to who you are.
I’ve learned that while I’m not everyone’s definition of perfect, I’m my own perfect. Self-love is a constant work in progress but I’ve taken a lot of big strides toward it this year.
2018 had a lot in store for me. I went through a lot of transitions and self-growth. I can’t wait to see what 2019 holds.
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