This semester has been a very exciting one. Throughout this past semester I have learned a lot of things; time management is key in one’s success, push through and things will get better, teachers don’t care if you miss class, but they do care if you’re late, etc. However, the most important thing I was reminded of was that although all of these things are important, it is also important to cherish each little moments as much as each big moment. We only get to experience these things once, so we should enjoy these moments while we are here. Of course, it’s our first semester in college, and there was a lot thrown our way, but throughout my time here, I have already created lifelong friendships that I wouldn’t trade for the world. On the left is a photo of a few friends from the dorm and me being little tourists on the Brooklyn Bridge. Although it isn’t everyone I have made friends with from the dorms, it is a select few that I hold close to my heart. And this is probably one of the most vivid memories of this year because right as we got into Brooklyn, it started pouring, and there were multiple flood warnings. We didn’t know what to do, so we just took the subway back into Manhattan, then ran to Chelsea Market a few blocks away. We were soaking wet and cold, but it was definitely one of the best days I’ve had here.

The second picture I posted is a picture of me and a few of my favorite classmates. ((: We had to go to The Metropolitan Museum of Art for our art class, and as boring as it sounded, we made it very exciting. First off, we were practically playing hide and seek in the museum because I came to the museum later and I couldn’t find them anywhere, so Sang had to walk me through the museum over the phone for a good fifteen minutes, until I finally found them about a mile away from where I thought they were. Anyways, as we traveled through the museum, we had lots of fun, especially since we had to carry our book bags on the front of us. That was fun.

As I stepped foot off of the plane, I knew I was ready for what was ahead of me. The thought of living in the greatest city in the world had me so excited that I couldn’t even form complete sentences. This had been my dream since I could remember, and nothing was going to spoil it. Days went by, and I finally moved into my new home. New faces appeared, as well as new surroundings, and I was very content with it all-nothing made me happier. Within my first few weeks, I have already made unbinding friendships and memories that will never fade from my mind. And I think the most exciting part of living in New York City is all of the opportunities it holds, as well as how, magically, the city makes everyone fall in love with it. I never thought I could love a place like I could love a person, but as always, New York is the one place that is different than the rest. Even the things that aren’t supposed to be loved, like the freezing cold mornings and the smell of the subway, still manage to make the city even more of a home, and make me fall in love all over again, as I did the first time I stepped foot into it. My life here is one that I couldn’t experience anywhere else, and this city will always hold a special piece of my heart, regardless of where I end up in the future.

In this post, I’ve included many of my favorite photos that were taken throughout my life.  Each of these photos has a special meaning to me, and each photo has affected my life today. The first picture is a picture that was taken in South Carolina of my brother and I at a waterfall next to my grandfather’s house. Both my brother and South Carolina mean a lot to me because we used to spend every summer up there together. Next, there is a picture of me and a few little girls that I teach to swim. I have been swimming since I was ten, and coaching has also become a hobby of mine. Next, I posted a picture from prom. I would consider this probably the best dance in high school, as well as a great way to end my senior year with all of the people I’ve spent my high school career with. Following is a picture of my friends and I that was taken at the Rock N’ Rollercoaster in Disney World. We took our senior trip there, and it was also one of the best moments of senior year. Graduation, which was very sentimental, was the number one best moment in my high school career. My class and I were like a family, and although we all knew it was time to say goodbye to one another, we were very proud of ourselves for coming as far as we had. The next picture is a picture of my mom, brother, and me after my brother completed Leadership Boot Camp for the Air Force. It was such a proud moment for all of us, and I was glad I got to share it with him. The picture taken out of the plane flying over New York was when I moved here for college. It was a major change in my life, obviously, but I was excited for what college had in store. Lastly, the next picture is a picture of my parents and I in Grand Central Terminal. Although it was time for us all to say goodbye, I made them smile for one last photo with me before they headed home. I couldn’t thank them enough for all that they do for me, and for making me the person I am today.