Memory Lane

7:41 PM

Sometimes a short walk down memory lane is all it takes to appreciate where you are today.

- Susan Gale

I'm at the point in my life where everyone, including myself, is asking questions about my future: am I going to go to graduate school, when am I going to get married, how many kids do I want, what kind of career am I planning on having, etc., etc. And it scares me. Heck, even thinking about tomorrow scares me.

The future is a big unknown and I sometimes have a hard time dealing with the uncertainty of it all. I'm the kind of person who likes to know the how, what, where, when, and why about everything, so in my case, ignorance is not bliss. It makes me doubtful and anxious. I feel like I have so much potential, but it all depends on timing. And that's something that I have no control over. I have so many dreams and expectations for how my life is going to turn out, and my biggest fear is that I'm going to be left on the sideline while opportunities pass me by.

So instead of drowning in worries about my big and scary future, I decided to take the time to remember my small and wonderful past. Remembering all of the amazing experiences that I've had and all of the kind, loving people that I've known reminds me that even though life knocks you down time and time again, getting back up again is always worth it.

So here are some of my very favorite memories:

1. Christmas 2012.
I know I talk about my family a lot, but they're the most important people in my life. Saying goodbye to them before getting on the plane to fly to Utah was the hardest thing that I've ever had to do, but that goodbye made seeing them again over Christmas break that much more special. And it was our first Christmas in Brazil which made it even more amazing.

2. High school graduation.

I graduated Suma Cum Laude from Northville High School last year. And even after everything that that school put me through- a couple evacuations, bomb/gun threats, lock downs, etc.- I'm still alive (but I'm barely breathing).

3. Dance recitals.

I'm actually only putting this on the list because of how funny the pictures are.

Spoiler alert I'm the one on the very right. I haven't changed a bit.

4. My piano studio.

I had the wonderful opportunity to teach piano for three years during high school. Though I only had three students when I first started, my studio grew immensely over the next two years, and I taught a total of 14 students. They were each so unique and amazing, and I'm so grateful for the chance that I had to share my love of music with them. I am so proud of each and every one of them and of how far they progressed musically during the short time that I was able to be their teacher. I miss them with all of my heart!

5. When I found out I got an A in linear algebra.

Literally the best day of my life. I thought I was going to fail that class.

6. Going on photo shoots with my friends.

They're actually kinda really fun.

7. Performing.

Going to rehearsal was my favorite part of the day during high school; I loved being a member of a team that’s created its very own work of art. It was incredible to see a production come alive and know that you were a part of it. Working together with the cast and the crew creates a timeless bond of friendship, and the people that were with me in drama club have become my best friends. I know that they will always be there for me, no matter where I am. Most importantly, however, these kids aren’t afraid to be themselves and accept other people, despite whatever differences they have. Being a part of a group that’s so unique and accepting makes drama club one of my favorite things in the entire world.