2017.
December 31, 2017 -
If I were to use one word to describe 2017, I would use the word “unconventional”. Rather than returning to school like most of my friends, I started off the new year by packing up all of my belongings in my dorm room and returning home. Although at the time I felt like a complete failure, in looking back, I am confident that I made the right decision to leave school. I am beyond grateful to have had the chance to focus on my own health, and to figure out exactly what I needed in order to regain the strength that I lost. I had the time to make necessary lifestyle adjustments, and a great support system to fall back on. Furthermore, over the course of 2017, I was able to define my own passions and skills and return to school feeling more confident and driven than ever. This new found strength translated into my academics, and I’ve never felt so invested in school. In August, I embarked on yet another journey, and rather than heading back to LMU like I had originally planned on doing, I moved to New York and started attending The New School. Living in such a huge city has been one of the most amazing experiences, and while not always as easy as living in a small town, I’ve loved it.
Last year at around this time, I put together a “best of 2016” post, and I wanted to do the same for 2017. In putting this together, I realized just how complex this year has been. It was filled with all sorts of ups and downs, and although at times I felt as if I had hit rock bottom, it was in rising from these moments that I gained the most stamina and character.
I’ve loved looking through all of my photos from this year, and coming up with some of the highlights of 2017.
Snowy Start to the New Year
Last winter was absolutely epic, and we started off the new year with tons of fresh snow! I had the best time getting up early with my sister and making our way to the mountain every morning to ski fresh tracks.
Visitng the New School and Getting Accepted
In March, I headed to New York to visit the New School. I kept all of this very hush for a while, and few people knew that I had even applied. The moment that I stepped foot on campus, I fell in love with the school, and on that very same day, I received my letter of acceptance. This was one of those trips that gave me a glimpse into one of my options for the future, and I left New York that week feeling beyond excited.
Quick Trip to San Fransisco
In early August, my sister and I met in San Fransisco to visit my dad. We had the best time playing tourist for the first day, and saw parts of the city that we hadn’t ever bothered seeing in the past. On this trip, I also had the chance to see some old friends from school that lived in the area. I had the absolute best time catching up with everybody, and running around the city.
Paragliding
My younger brother is much adventurous than I am, and for his birthday, all he wanted was for the whole family to go paragliding together. I reluctantly agreed, and just days before all of us headed back east to go our separate ways, we boarded a van, and drove to the top of the ski mountain. I remember feeling petrified as I stood on top of that mountain, but the minute my feet left the ground I was completely taken back. While this was completely outside of my comfort zone, it was one of those experieces that I’ll never forget.
A Week In Quogue
Towards the end of August, right before I headed off to school, I got to spend a week in the Hamptons with my family. With most of us busy with college/boarding school during the year and work/sports in the summer, it can be tricky to find the time to get together as a family, so we really do cherish every moment that we have together. Over the course of this week, we enjoyed many beach days, delicious seafood dinners, and got to hang out as a family.
Moving to New York
At the end of the summer, I packed up my belongings yet again, and moved to New York City to attend school. Transferring schools felt like a huge risk to me, and it took a lot to even consider doing it. After one semester, however, I can confidently say that I am in the right place at the right time. I’ve loved living in the city, and have gotten so much out of all of my classes. While I’m continuing to take things one step at a time as I navigate my way through college, I know that right now I am where I need to be.
Visiting Berkshire
In October, I met up with my family, and we all headed up to Massachusetts to visit my younger brother at his school. We were lucky to visit at the most beautiful time of year, and it was so nice to be around family and get a dose of nature.
First Snow In New York + Having My Sister in Town
One of my most recent highlights of the year occurred just a few weeks ago. On my last weekend before heading home for Winter Break, my sister headed down to the city to spend the weekend with me. We had the best time eating out, shopping around and watching movies together, and it even snowed for the first time in the city! Although not every New Yorker appreciates the snow as much as I do, it was an undeniably beautiful way to kick off the holiday season.
Coming Home For Winter Break
Winter break has always been my favorite time of year. I love all of the joy that comes with the holiday season, and where I live, there is a certain buzz that only exists during these few weeks. Despite this year’s lack of snow where I live, I’ve still enjoyed being home, and seeing old friends and family. After a busy first semester, it’s been so nice to unwind, and prepare for the New Year!
Cheers to 2018!
-sb
