The past year has been one of the hardest of my life. It was full of disappointment, loss, and so many unwanted changes. However, it was also one of the most rewarding, memorable years of my life. I graduated high school, spent my last childhood summer at home with my family, moved to college, moved back home, moved to college again, joined a sorority, made some of my favorite memories, made lifelong friends, and learned so many important lessons.
This absolute whirlwind chapter of my life, completely changed by the pandemic, feels like it’s finally coming to a close. I got my second dose of the vaccine last week and it was so surreal. As I sat in that chair waiting for my shot, it felt like the past year of my life flashed before my eyes.
I remembered all the nights crying in my room because my senior prom and graduation were canceled. I remembered my virtual high school graduation– where I felt proud and excited, but mostly heartbroken. I remembered all the fear and uncertainty. I remembered all the mountain summertime drives with my friends, because that’s really all we could do. I remembered how excited I was to move into my first college dorm and how heartbroken I was when we got sent home. I remembered my suitemates and I walking around campus late at night, introducing ourselves to random people. I remembered meeting strangers who turned into some of my best friends in the world. I remembered all the COVID tests and scares. I remembered finally picking up a habit of journaling, which is something I’ve always wanted to do. I remembered so much disappointment and sadness, but more prominently, I remembered so much joy and happiness and growth. I remembered learning how to find joy in the new normal. I remembered learning to be appreciative of the little things.
As I slowly start to see a light at the end of this very very very long tunnel, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Although this year was one of the hardest of my life, it also gave me and taught me so much. It is a year I will certainly never forget.