This time last year everything was going full speed, I was graduating, I was getting ready to become an adult finally and learning that not everything can be under my control. Now looking at this year’s graduating seniors getting ready to move on I have to take a moment to look back at my own life this year.

I started out that summer alone, scared, and confused about everything in my life. I had reality looming on the other side of that graduation platform and I was facing it alone. I was single, miserable, and confused. Everyone seemed to have all their ducks in a row: relationships, jobs, plans, and I was still stuck at the starting line. I had no idea what I was doing much less how to do anything that wasn’t college related. 

I was jobless, fighting with millions of other grads to find a job, and I got all nos’ until I found my job now which I love and enjoy doing. It wasn’t what I had in mind for my goal but it ended up being the missing piece in my life puzzle, but I had other things to fill in.

I was single and alone. I was reeling from my heartache with a boy who confused me more than I can ever explain. I spent that summer alone trying to figure everything out. But then when I least expected it, I met someone who had been there along. We met and started talking and realized we could be something more than friends and now I am happy to say I’m in love with my best friend, and I couldn’t be happier. 

Looking back now, I can say all of that pain and confusion was worth it to be where I am now. Successful in my career, happy with myself and my boyfriend and living life to the fullest. That’s all I can ask for and it’s all I want. To be happy and loved, and I did it.