Thursday, December 31, 2015

In 2015...

It's hard to believe that this year is coming to an end, but alas it's the last week of the year. This year had a lot of ups and downs, and a lot of broken dreams. I've also been on a plane twice, and I've been to places I've only dreamed of going. I've also had dealt with anxiety and all of its' fun effects. I've also gotten a job at my town's newspaper. Wow, that's a lot of stuff! Let's slow down and recap! Shall we?
In 2015, I was diagnosed with anxiety. This happened when working two jobs and taking five classes finally caught up with me. It caused me to have to withdraw from a class so I would have less on my plate. The result of all of this is that I suddenly found myself on the 4.5 year plan, instead of the traditional four year plan. Yes, it's going to suck going back for an extra semester, but it's going to be okay. I've also been combating anxiety attacks, and trying to get through it all day by day. That is the only way to get through it. I'm getting therapy, and I'm getting better. I'd like to think that I'm going to thrive in 2016.
Santa Monica Beach; Take me back please!
In 2015, I did quite a bit of traveling. In Feb., I went to L.A. for a week with the newspaper for a conference, and did a lot of sight seeing. It was an amazing opportunity, and I definitely want to explore more of California as time goes on. I also connected really well with the people who I shared a hotel room with, and went on a thousand adventures. In May, I went to another conference in New York with those same girls. This time, we left after one session and spent the rest of the time exploring the city. It was an amazing time. In Sept., I went to Orlando for the SPJ (Society of Professional Journalists), and went to an amazing set of conferences. I also got to go to Disney World for the first time since I was a kid. It was fun.
In 2015, I switched around in jobs. In May, I began working for the Hamden Journal, which lead me to become the Copy Editor. Through my work at the Hamden Journal, I met some amazing people, such as the band Kansas. It's amazing how much you can learn in that job, and where it can take you. I also began working for College Fashionista, where I worked for two semesters, and quit in Dec. In Dec., I became the Editor in Chief of the SCSU chapter of the Odyssey, which is something that I am currently enjoying. It's a struggle trying to lead a bunch of people whom I've never met except online. But, it's enjoyable. In journalism, the more experience that you can get as an undergrad, the better you are. Looking back, I gained a lot of experience and knowledge that I otherwise never would have gotten through solely classes. In 2016, I hope to further my horizons, as I enter my last year as an undergrad.
L to R: Griffin, Gabriel, and I on the beach on my 21st birthday.
The last thing about 2015 that will always strike me is the people who I spent the year with. I went on wild and crazy adventures with Gabriel and Griffin, became really good friends with my co-worker at the library Vanessa and made some new friends through classes. I've also maintained friendships from past years, such as Elisia. Sometimes, I've leaned on Gabriel and Griffin too much, especially as I went through my battles with anxiety. However, I hope they know how much I appreciate them being there for me when I need a hug. You all are amazing friends, and I'm hoping the next year we do some wild and crazy things, which will lead to amazing memories such as turning 21 with my best pals.
I'd say 2015 was a great year. What do you all think? Tell me about your year. 

4 comments:

  1. I'm going through a similar thing with college stuff. Junior year was a total struggle and I was so hoping that senior year would be easier, but the anxiety from my last school year continues...knowing where I'm going or what I want to do with my life would make it easier, but not knowing is ok.
    Other than that, my year has been great. I've become closer with a lot of fantastic people at my school (who I'll miss dearly come graduation time), and I'm just sort of soaking up the senior year thing.
    Happy New Year!!
    xoxo
    Hannah
    http://frecklesandolives.blogspot.com/

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    1. Happy new year to you too! Good luck sorting through college things! It's stressful trying to figure out the next chapter of your life. But, don't worry you'll figure it out. :)

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  2. I had a really stressful freshman-sohphomore year were I was working two jobs, running the blog, and writting for my school paper on top of classes. It was very stressful and I ended up giving up one of the jobs. Which was completely fine with me since it helped me relax and get away from a toxic work environment. Even though you have an extra semester to take, you will be a lot happier without the class.

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    1. Wow that sounds challenging. I hope that you're feeling less stressed as a result! Happy New Year! And yes, I agree. It was the best decision for me, and I am glad I chose it.

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