I am probably going to miss a lot of things here but let's try.
GOOD:
- I survived freshman year, and I have survived the first semester of sophomore year of college!
-- Made Dean's List for all three semesters so far.
-- Survived Journalism I, which is typically regarded as one of the toughest classes at our university, with an A.
-- Had four of my five journalism articles published in our university newspaper.
-- Subsequently made everyone hate me because I was the "curve-wrecker", or as some people called me, the "curve-fucker".
- Broke out of my shyness shell considerably more this year.
-- Went to our Regimental Ball with a super great friend and classmate of mine, Kanisha. The first time I have ever really danced and sang out loud in public and stuff because those types of things are way out of my comfort zone, but taking that leap and just genuinely not giving a shit about my comfort zone was a big leap for me and I had so much fun.
-- I made a best friend in college, Rebecca. She is the sweetest and funniest and most incredible and also punniest person in the world and I love her like family so, so much. I don't know what I would ever do without her and anyone in LB's discord knows of our struggle sessions and how much of a character she really is and how much she means to me. We are potentially planning for me to be a part-time host on her radio show next semester. Stay tuned for that.
- Speaking of radio, I got to host a radio show this semester for like 13 weeks with my friend Lele!
-- One of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. Like hosting a radio show is so much fun. If you ever get the opportunity to do it, do it. It is so worth it, especially if you love music, and just enjoy killing time and enjoy having the satisfaction that the music you love is being played to somebody. We'll be back for another semester in late January!
- Kind of goes in hand with the last one, but goddamn, I discovered a lot of great music this year. Like this year was genuinely the best year for me in terms of finding and listening to new music. The radio show has a lot to do with that because of motivating me to find new music, which led me to finding Vinny's (of Vinesauce) Spotify playlist which is full of incredible stuff. My main Spotify playlist is nearing 900 songs at the time of this post.
-- Speaking of which, Red Vox's Another Light came out a few days ago. I've already bought it, digitally and physically. Hands down one of the greatest albums I have ever listened to. I've definitely already developed an emotional attachment to like two or three of the songs already.
- Although the concerts aren't until next year, I bought tickets this year to go to two concerts next year! One is for the incredibly meme-y They Might Be Giants in April, and then my all-time favorite band, the Electric Light Orchestra, in August. I am beyond excited and floored for those two days to roll around.
BAD:
- My mental health is still in a pretty bad shape and has kind of deteriorated over-time. I am struggling with loneliness hardcore and it has kind of reached its peak in the last few weeks.
-- Truthfully, Chris Cornell's death took a huge hit on me, emotionally and mentally. He was somebody I looked up to and his music helped me get through a lot of my struggles and a lot of my darkest times. His death, particularly the way it happened, just floored me and hurt me and it still hurts today. I miss him so much.
- I still don't know how to drive. That's like my top New Year's resolution because I need some freedom and I don't know how I've gone without it for this long so far.
- I am 20. I am old. Help.
