2025 — a year that pushed for uncomfortable changes, some necessary and others less so. A year of spontaneity, thrill, overwhelm, and everything in between. A year that was incredibly hectic and a year filled with events I could’ve never predicted.
However, despite the intensity that was 2025, this year in particular taught me to appreciate the people and opportunities that heightened my overall well-being and happiness. As we’re approaching the season of expressing gratitude, I’d like to reflect on some of the very factors that I’m eternally grateful for and that made this year so memorable, lively, wholesome, and fulfilling.
The BEST Friends I Could Ask For
Above all, I’m grateful for the friends that got me through both the toughest and smallest challenges of 2025. From all of the internal to external struggles, I truly don’t know what I would do without my best friends. I’m immensely thankful to have such supportive, hilarious, and loving girls who have made up the person I am today.
In the midst of all the anxiety, stress, and chaos, it’s been incredibly reassuring knowing that I can drive up to their houses or send one brief text and they’ll show up the moment I need them. Being able to discuss the same situations over and over again and without the worry of displeasing them has given me more gratitude than they’ll ever know. Not only that, but it’s part of what’s made up these lifelong friendships that I’ll forever cherish.
Whether you have one or five or maybe even ten, take the time to thank the friends that have supported and loved you this Thanksgiving, and let them know the impact they have on your life. It’s so important to keep spreading the love, and I know these bonds are ones we’ll remember for being so special and so genuine.
Traveling
Now, while I didn’t leave the country this year, I’m still grateful to have visited the places I love most, whether that be in my own state or a plane ride away. From Puerto Rico, Florida, Boston, and the Big Apple, I enjoyed seeing the people I care for while doing the activities that bring my heart much peace and joy.
Swimming in the warm Gulf of Mexico, shopping at some cute boutiques, savoring the empanadillas and arroz con gandules from my homeland, and experiencing live music through the form of concerts and musicals. These moments have created memories that, once again, I am so grateful for. Even if you didn’t go on that vacation you’ve been dreaming of, it still brings satisfaction in taking a walk on your favorite beach or eating at your favorite restaurant.
I know for me, even the forty minute drives to my closest beach took my mind away from all the stress in my life, so for that, I express my gratitude for the opportunity to do so.
Talented Live Musical Experiences
Music is my getaway. It’s my safe haven and part of my everyday lifestyle, whether that be jamming with my AirPods or getting the chance to see live musical performances.
This year, I had the amazing opportunity to attend various concerts and see some truly talented artists such as Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Sombr, and several others. Whenever one of my favorite artists announces a tour, I’m often quick to sign up for that pre-sale and if I’m lucky enough, get tickets as I can’t miss the chance to hear their music live. Having attended these concerts with some of my favorite people made these experiences all the more memorable by being able to share the love for these artists and being in a stadium full of others who are belting the lyrics we’re all deeply connected to.
Apart from seeing some of my favorite musical artists, I also went to two musicals on Broadway including Six The Musical and Cabaret. These were two unforgettable shows and, being a bit of a theatre kid myself, hearing such talented voices and watching these exceptional dancers get in character was a privilege to have witnessed. If you’ve been to a musical, you know that the space they create is not just inviting for all, but it really puts a community of passionate people together, which I’m thankful to have been a part of.
All in all, I’m appreciative for artists and their ability to hold such power through their performances that have given me some of the best memories of my life. Music as a whole is something that I’ll always be bonded to and hold such passion for because it’s gotten me through the best and worst parts of my life. So, although not a person, I’m thankful for its abilities and strengths to make sense of the emotions I’m feeling that can sometimes be hard to express or that I don’t want to talk about, even with the ones I love most.
Transferring to the University of Connecticut
The decision that changed the trajectory of not just this year, but the rest of my life, was transferring to UConn this past spring.
Before moving schools, I attended a small university in my hometown and while many of the students loved it, I couldn’t help but wonder what life would be like if I left home and explored a world full of new opportunities. While incredibly scary, transferring to UConn has allowed me to learn more about myself by being part of communities who have similar interests as me along with being completely different from the person I am. My involvement in Her Campus, Husky Ambassadors, the Office of Sustainability, and the Academic Achievement Center are all paths that have led me to meeting some amazing people while exploring and reinforcing the things I enjoy.
UConn has an incredible number of ways to get involved and I’m in awe of my first year full of basketball games, tasty pizza, nights of laughter, and the accessibility to resources that have helped to navigate it all. So, remember, don’t be afraid to try new things, just think of all the wonderful possibilities that will come out of it and the experience you’ll gain by doing so!
2025 Wrapped
While my best friends, travels to beautiful spots, experiences hearing live music, and transferring to UConn are all things that saved my 2025, there are countless others that I’m eternally grateful for. Despite having lived an insane eleven months, it’s crucial to remember the positives in order to keep moving forward and to prepare for the next. Although it may not feel like it, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Whether your family, politics, school, work, or other stressors caused you some unexpected and possibly unwanted moments, it’ll always be okay.
So, this Thanksgiving, take a moment to give thanks to the ones you love or even take five minutes to write about the things you’re grateful for, whether that be in your notes app or the journal you keep all your thoughts in. I can assure you that by the end of it, you’ll feel a weight off your shoulder and an immense amount of gratitude for a wild year.