Happy 2016 everyone!

I can’t believe 2015 is over! It seriously feels like yesterday I was counting down to it and hoping for an amazing year. I couldn’t have asked for more out of 2015. It wasn’t all good, but there were so many amazing memories I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Here are my highlights of 2015:

Gut2Web — Gut4Life
2015 brought me the opportunity to travel abroad. My school runs on a three semester cycle — we have a fall and spring semester, but we also have a winter term (also known as J-Term because it is during the month on January) that is one month dedicated to studying one class or going abroad. I took last January and went on a program called “Gutenberg to the Web.” I traveled to London, Prague, and many places in Germany learning about how media has developed since the printing press and how it has shaped our lives as well as major historical movements. I  met so many amazing people on this trip and learned so much about what life has to offer outside of my comfort zone. The memories I made on this trip will last me a lifetime, and I am forever changed by the experience.

Alpha Chi Omega
2015 brought me my sisters. If you had asked me as a freshman if I would ever be in a sorority, my answer would have been no, but now, I couldn’t imagine my life without Alpha Chi Omega. It is definitely the best decision I have made in my college career to join this amazing sisterhood. I have met so many inspiring women that have changed me for the better. They truly support me (and everyone) through anything life throws my way. I have been presented a plethora of opportunities through this organization ranging from supporting our philanthropy to being Vice President of our Public Relations and Marketing. Without AXO, I wouldn’t be the same.

My Blog
2015 brought me to you! I finally launched my blog in 2015. This was another amazing decision that has brought me so many opportunities. I can’t believe where I am today with a project that started out as just a fun way to pass the time. I have really cultivated my love of reading and grown as a reader as well as a writer. I have branched out in so many ways, and I can’t thank anything other than this blog that has pushed me in ways I never thought it would.

Technology Service Desk
2015 brought me my job. Although it may not always be my favorite, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work on my university’s campus. I have learned so much about the way we work as an institution and gained a sense of self-confidence I would never have attained if I weren’t forced to answer the phone and talk to people about their problems on a daily basis. This job has given me a sense of freedom and adulthood that I never had before. It has truly helped me grow as an individual much more than I ever thought it would have when I originally submitted my application.

Going Above the Mason-Dixon Line
2015 brought a lot of travel. Along with going abroad, I also traveled above the Mason-Dixon Line for the first time in my life. I visited Ryan in New Jersey and attended my cousin’s wedding in New York City. I had my first real bagel (they’re right…bagels are better up there) as well as my first real slice of pizza (also better up there). I had an amazing time exploring the city, riding the subway, and making memories.

My Friends
2015 reminded me how amazing my friends are. Whether they have been there since the beginning of have just shown up, I’m truly thankful for the people I have in my life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support, kindness, and fun that my friends have provided me with. I went through a lot of difficult changes in 2015, but with every change my friends were by my side.

Thanks 2015 for an amazing year. Despite all the bad, there was just so much good. I hope 2016 brings just as many amazing opportunities and builds just as many wonderful memories.

Happy new year,
Kimberly