Year in Review: 2014

2014 was one incredible year. Looking back, the one thing that stands out the most was my summer in New York City. I had the most unforgettable and life-changing internship which offered me more than I could even imagine. I fell in love with a city like I've fallen in love with people. I left a piece of my heart there, I often say.

I'll back up for a minute though. I ended junior with the best of friends by my side in May. I cried for the first time ever when leaving Oxford. 

My spring semester of junior was filled with classes I loved, promises of a summer in New York City, turning 21 years old and mini-trips, like Birmingham for Ginny's debutante ball, Corinth, St. Jude for the Tri Delta chapter retreat and Tupelo for spontaneous ear piercings.

I saw One Direction twice in concert, so basically Zayn & I are now married. I have now finished my first semester of my senior year, which is unreal. Don't worry, just when I thought my friends and family couldn't get any better, they did.

How can I then even begin to describe my summer though? I worked at the greatest company with the greatest people. How lucky was I to love going to work every day? It was a dream come true. Dannijo was anything anyone could hope for in an internship that ended in friendship. I could ramble on that for days, but you can read about it here.

Cue senior year. Senior year makes you emotional. Being about to begin the year of graduation is overwhelming, thrilling and terrifying. I think my biggest issue during this fall semester was relaxing and enjoying the moments. I often found myself in the greatest situations surrounded by my favorite people, but then it would hit me. In just a few quick months, I wouldn't be surrounded by these people anymore. 

I prayed and prayed for the will to enjoy certain moments and not be overcome with sadness. Great news, the burden was lifted and I was given freedom to enjoy my friends, the small city of Oxford and our last few moments together. As cheesy as it is, every day that passes is one day less that we have with each other where we are all just a few footsteps away.

We entered senior year, my people & I, with eagerness and excitement. The usual Friday and Saturday night routine was mapped out (South Depot to the Library) and we loved every minute of it. Not one night was taken for granted. It's not every weekend you can sing along to the Mustache Band or pay a $40 cover when your school beats Bama, right?

From Pickwick Lake, to recruitment week, to surprising Kendall for her 15th birthday, to getting a new job, the fall of 2014 was great, too. 

Every single one of my friends is aware that this time we are all sharing is coming to an end. It's almost the time to say goodbye, so we've got one more semester to cram friendship and separation anxiety in. At our girls Christmas party one of my friends asked, "I wonder where we will be next year and what we all will be doing?" Another friend replied, "Probably just wishing we were all still here, together." That sums it up. That's it right there.

2014 brought me strengthened friendships at school and at home. This year brought me closer to my family although we spent 11 weeks apart while I ventured into a new city. The year brought me an internship and a job. 

Recently, I've been rocked by my new job. It made me realize that loving & incredible people can be found in other cities too (sorry, New York, I still love you too). I learned not to fret about the future because when you look right in front of your face, great people are right there wanting to be with you and help you succeed. I had a hard time leaving New York for a fear that I would never work with such great people again, but Jondie you've out done yourself and made me feel right at home. My prayers were answers, above and beyond.

Cheers to you, 2014! You treated me well. New and old friends, sweet family, new cities and new experiences, it all happened with you, '14. 


Let's all cherish these "lasts" at school & embrace the future.


"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

20 Moments from 2014

When you go to St. Jude Children's Hospital dressed as One Direction

When you go to a debutante ball (@Ginny) and act like it's prom all over again

When you realize age really is just a number

When you get to room with your two best friends for a whole year

When you turn 21

  When you get the official call from your parents after class saying you can move to New York for 11 weeks during the summer

When you realize you work for a brand you believe in and love, and in addition, you love the people even more

 

When this is your walk to work every day

When you see One Direction twice in concert

When you fall in love with a city like you've fallen in love with people & you found it almost impossible to leave

When you return home to this 

When you realize you've been incredibly blessed by "online dating" aka the freshman year roommate search, where you ended up finding your roommate and best friend of 4 years

When you end recruitment week singing "Best House Ever" and you believe every word

 

 When you finally stop joking about dressing up at Kim Possible and Rufus the Naked Mole Rat and just do it

When we beat Alabama #rebs

When your little sister turns 15 and drives you around

When you wrap up senior year at The Library. Another Friday and Saturday night for the books 

When you end your President and Vice President reign with the person you've stood beside in Tri Delta for the past two years

When you realize there really is no feeling like coming home

(insert my parents, with whom I think we haven't taken an official family photo with since I was approximately 9 years old, it's time to update)

When I ended 2014 with the people I am having to say goodbye to in 2015 (s'sentimental seniors, always)

 

Thank you, 2014! You were good to me. 

Now, let's see where 2015 takes me!!