Christmas is over, I'm back home, and it's time to focus on interviews and the excitement of 2011. First, I'm stopping to reflect on the year that is ending, one that will leave a lot of mixed emotions.
The first thing I did in 2010 was go to California. It had originally been expected when I made the plans that Eddie would finally be well, and it would be a fun-filled vacation. Unfortunately he became ill right before Christmas, and I spent a lot of that trip visiting him in the hospital, dressed in a yellow gown and gloves, talking about his iPhone and watching tv. I will forever cherish that time with him, because they are my last memories.
I've been sitting here for awhile trying to decide what to write about Eddie. So many things have already been said, yet sometimes it never feels like I can say enough. Eddie was such a source of strength, laughter, and optimism, and losing him was and will be what we all remember about this past year. I hope that I have half of his spirit and keep it with me no matter what I face in life.
The other defining moment in 2010 was my trip to Mexico, a year delayed because of H1N1. I met amazing people and saw amazing places. More importantly, I rediscovered a lot of strength and passion in myself. I've always been interested in travel and culture, but work and life had put it aside. I've now refocused on my international interests, and am trying more actively to maintain my Spanish. More importantly, I had many reminders of how strong and independent I am, and left feeling that I can accomplish even more than I may have realized.
Of course, the theme throughout the year was illness. Migraines affected my life from January to March, and again June to August, and sinus problems started in October and led to surgery in December. The pain is difficult, of course, but the worse part is when you don't know how to solve the problem. It's frustrating when you can't function properly and don't know why, and don't know if and when you'll improve. There were so many things I wasn't able to do well enough because of my illnesses, and as someone who has a lot of pride in their work that was probably just as hard as the illnesses themselves. I am hopeful that these have passed and that I will be healthy this next year.
My year ended with a big focus on the internship application process. I learned a lot about myself and my goals. I am really passionate about helping schools, and the more I read about internship sites and wrote my essays, the more I realized the schools are where I really need to be. I have become a defender of public education, interested in making sure schools reach all children and make decisions that focus on students, not money. I love working with children, but I'm a big picture person, and I think I can make a difference. Through the process I learned that I have a lot of confidence in myself, and others believe in me. I had a lot of support, and I did well in my interview invitations.
Of course, life is not all about school. I have had great times with great friends. Many have left, as happens every year, but new friends have come too. New Orleans, Grad Camp, football games, 4th of July, Aggie Barn, game nights... lots of good times. I am thankful for everyone in my life this year. Of course, I am also so thankful for my family and the time we had together this year, which was particularly important and special this year.
So that's 2010. 2011 will be a major transition year for me, and I'm anxious and excited about it. May everyone have the 2011 they dream of!
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