Things I've Accomplished

I've decided to make this a 3 part series. Two posts ago, I talked about personal goals for the year and last time I talked about long term dreams, but as I approach the end of this semester, I decided why not talk about what I have accomplished so far? I'm only 21, and don't have a lot of "big" victories  (and actually lots of failures) but sometimes little victories add up to a lot. Here are some things:

1. Making the dean's list three times/getting in the honors program. I know that sometimes I stress way too much about my schoolwork, but it always feels good to be recognized for hard work.

2. Teaching kids how to swim across the pool or jump off the diving board. This was the best part about my job as a lifeguard. It wasn't just teaching them a valuable survival skill, but giving them confidence in themselves and that's a great thing.

3. Being bullied most of my life and coming out stronger and wiser. From elementary school to freshman year of college, it never really changed. Some people will always try to push you down in order to feel bigger. I know that this has made me not only a stronger person, but a more empathetic friend.

4. My senior yearbook. I know this sounds completely silly, but it is the thing I was most proud of in high school. I worked during lunches, after school, and during many study halls to put together that book. Although it's a trivial thing, it was the first time I really became a leader for a group of people and most of all, I had a lot of fun doing it.

5. Being an ear for those who need one. I know some of you won't believe this one, since I am prone to interrupting people in a conversation, but before my friend Moriah passed away, she used to call me and talk for hours. I remember car rides, dinners, and walks around the lake with her in which I never got a word in, but I think that sometimes that's what everyone needs and I really hope I was able to help her through hard times in her life just by answering the phone or taking time out of my day to meet her for dinner.

6. Overcoming socializing anxiety (to some extent). I have always hated making conversation with strangers. But in the past few years, I have forced myself out of my comfort zone a lot more. As a tour guide, I have built relationships with prospective students in very short periods of time. I have joined groups and activities where I didn't know anyone there and ended up making new friends. I actually met two of my best friends just by joining a game on my floor last year with strangers.

And to end, I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes by the great Ralph Waldo Emerson: "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."

I Made a Bucket List

So, my last post about 21 things to do when I'm 21 went over pretty well. I got lots of comments on it and my friends have been holding me to it whenever I veer off. On that note, I thought I'd do something similar this week. This is a bucket list of more tangible things I want to do with my life. These won't happen this year and I expect it to change, but I've always wanted to make one of these. I was actually saving it for a later date, but there have been signs pointing to now. There is a bucket list bulletin board on my floor and I keep looking at the Bucket List DVD on my shelf and I had a friend suggest it last week. So here goes: I am finally making a bucket list.

1. Adopt a pet from an animal shelter.

2. Be conversational in Spanish.

3. Get a Master's Degree.

 

4. Get a tattoo.

5. Go hiking in a rainforest.

6. Learn to dance-It doesn't matter if it's salsa or swing or just not embarrassing myself at a club.

 

7. Go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

8. Own a home.

9. Go paragliding.

 

10. Publish something-whether it be a work of fiction, an article for a magazine, a review, a cookbook, or a travel book.

11. Go snorkeling/scuba diving.

12. See the ball drop in Times Square.

 

 13. Swim beneath a waterfall.

14. See at least 3 of the Seven New Wonders of the World.

15. Watch an Olympic event live.

16. Write a biography of someone.


17. Visit all 50 States-I'm up to 34 as of now.

21 Things to Do While I'm 21

So it' my 21st birthday today. Yay! So I thought I'd blog about 21 goals for this year. Here they are:

1. Be more optimistic. "Realist" is my word for pessimistic most of the time. I need to look at things on the bright side more often.

2. Forgive. I don't think it does any good to hold on to bad feelings. It only hurts yourself.

3. Go all out for Halloween. It's the only day I still get to play dress up. Enjoy it.

4. Indulge in good food. I know I can't eat junk all the time, but there is nothing wrong with enjoying food when I can. And who set the acceptable times for certain foods? I can eat a sandwich for breakfast if I fee like it.

 5. Go somewhere I've never been. Whether it's as small as a new restaurant or as big as another country. If I can, I want to try it.

6. Keep reading. (I won't have a problem with this one, but I know I never want to stop.)

7. Laugh as much as possible. (even though I hate my laugh, I swear it makes me feel better)

8. Learn to love myself a little more. I am always picking on something about myself. I'm not perfect. No one is.

9. Listen to those around me. Everyone needs to be heard. And I'm not a genius. I can use help.

10. Pamper myself. A pedicure, massage, or haircut is never a waste if it makes me feel better.

11. Remember to be a kid. 21 does not mean I'm "all grown up." Sometimes the swings at the park, blowing bubbles, water balloon fights, or an episode of Spongebob is the best remedy for a bad day.

12. Sing as loud as I want to the radio. Even if it embarrasses the crap out of my brother.

13. Stand up for someone. I have found throughout my life that the silent observer can be just as bad as the bully herself. So I don't want to be afraid to speak up to help. Even if I don't really know the person.

14. Stay up late. I love pancakes in the middle of the night or a movie marathon that lasts for hours. Sleep is very important, but sometimes it can wait. Might as well use that time while I'm young and still can.

15. Take a road trip. Even if it's just for an afternoon.


16. Tell the people I love how much they mean to me. You never know how long you have to say it.

17. Take more pictures/videos. I have some nice cameras, but I always forget to capture the moment.

18. Try my luck. Buy a lottery ticket or gamble once. Never done either and maybe it's a risk worth taking once.

19. Vote. It's important to be an active member of the community I live it.

20. Take some risks. Say things even if I don't know how others will react. Be bold. 

21. Keep writing this blog. I can't be a writer if I don't keep writing.