(I cleared all the photos from my phone to open up more space...so I don't have as many photos for 2018, oops!!)
IT'S WINTER BREAK! In light of Christmas and New Years I wanted to reflect on these past few months with you all as we gradually head into the new year. There are a lot of things I'm grateful for, but here are just a few:
1. FAMILY & FRIENDS
My family back in Texas has been very supportive throughout my transition to college in California and respects my decision to pursue whatever I am passionate about. I love all of them to pieces and I am over the moon being here with my family!
Not only that, but the friends I've known already or have gotten to know during my time in college have really helped me stay anchored and have taught me how to navigate college as a freshman. I am really thankful for my family and friends for giving me constant love and kindness this past year. I hope they know how much they are appreciated.
2. MUSIC, WRITING, & PHOTOGRAPHY
Music, writing, and photography are a huge part of me and it saddens me that my guitar was still back at home! However, I realize how grateful I am for my guitar now, and how much it means to me (distance makes the heart grow fonder, am I right?). It's also allowed me to focus on songwriting more and build my skill in that area. (Now that I'm home, I am currently jamming with my younger brother though).
Although I planned on writing 100 pages of my book in 2018, I've come up quite short with juggling university life, social life, and learning how to be more independent--writing a whole novel felt like a chore rather than something I enjoyed. So I decided for 2019 that I want to step back before I go forward with it. As much as I want my book on the shelves, I need to be patient before jumping ahead!
Working for my university's newspaper as a photojournalist and building my english minor has let me challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone. It's let me reaffirm what I want to do in my life and it's allowed me to pursue other interests as well.
3. SCHOOL
Finals were after Thanksgiving break, which wasn't too bad, but Chapman University is a fantastic school. They offer so many opportunities and there's always someone here to help. The professors are skilled and obviously love what they do, and I'm ecstatic to learn more. I am thankful to be able to go to a school that gives me the opportunity to become a better version of myself.
The list could go longer and into more detail, but I don't want to make this into a novel! Definitely had some bumps as we all do, but I am completely full of love for 2018. I am ready to embrace 2019 with open arms!!!
Let me know how 2018 went for you in the comments below!
xx,
Gabriella