2013: A Year in Review

2013 has been one of the best years I can remember. It has also by far been the hardest. I've definitely been chewed up and spit out my fair share of times this year. But I think that's kind of how life goes, the good things eventually balance out the bad and you come out much stronger for it. At least, in my experience. I wouldn't change a single thing that happened to me this year. I've changed a lot and I like the person I'm becoming. It's a really nice feeling, to like yourself. Sometimes I wonder why I didn't figure that out before. Anyway, on to the best (and worst) moments of 2013 (as experienced by yours truly):

Winter Semester 2013
I hate to start this off on a negative note, well actually never mind. This isn't necessarily negative. Winter Semester 2013 was hands down the most difficult semester I've ever been through, mentally, emotionally, academically, physically, spiritually, etc. Challenge after challenge after challenge was thrown my way, and I felt like it was NEVER going to end. I won't go into detail, but let me just say that it was HARD. But now I can honestly say that I'm grateful for it. All of it. I would never ever want to do it again, but I'm grateful for what I learned about myself and about my Heavenly Father. I am a better person and I can do hard things.

Weddings, Weddings
I think more people I know got married this year than any other. And let me tell you, I love weddings! Drinks all around! (Just kidding) But I really do love weddings. I got to be a bridesmaid for the first time this year too, and it was a lot of fun. What can I say, weddings just make me happy!

Morganne's Wedding!

Study Abroad (Wales)
I could go on forever about how amazing my study abroad experience was. I learned so much about life and the world and myself and I loved every single minute. Study abroad awakened in me a powerful curiosity about the world and an incurable desire to travel. I saw incredible things, ate some weird food, talked to lots of strangers and learned that I can take care of myself when it really counts. I learned how to live on purpose instead of just floating by. I made lasting friendships and met all sorts of fascinating people. I literally lived out my dreams for two months. It's safe to say it was the most incredible, life changing experience of my life (so far).

Good Friends, Good Music, Good Times
This is a shout out to my amazing friends. I seriously have the best friends in the ENTIRE world. They have been there for me through thick and thin and we have had some wild(ly fun) times together, including (but not limited to) Bang! sessions, Macey's Monday, late-night longboarding lessons, Truck Talk, dance parties in deserted parking lots, Luke Bryan Concert, football games, surprise parties, and cheer up movies. They are some of the greatest people I know, and I wouldn't trade them for the world!

Seriously. Some of the best people you will ever meet. Period.

And to Top it All Off...... 
This holiday break has been one of the best yet. I miraculously didn't get sick, and I got to spend time with some of my favorite people in the world. Also, getting into the Media Arts program was the major icing on the cake of a fantastic year. I can't wait to see what 2014 is going to bring! New Year, new start and I could not be more excited!

Happy New Year!

Love, Brontë