So long, farewell.

I remember how I felt about this time last year. 2010 was pulling to a close and I was about to face 2011--the year in which I would experience the biggest changes to date--head on. I felt some trepidation knowing that 2011 would tell me where I was going to college (I'd only heard back from BYU-I at that point) and would see me graduate high school and begin my career as a college student somewhere west of the Mississippi. My emotions teetered between excitement and nervousness and I wasn't quite sure that I was ready to face the changes that the next year would bring.

Now, a year later, it's surreal and a bit comical to look back on where I was, metaphorically speaking, and who I was. 2011 has brought all the changes that I was expecting and a few that I wasn't. It's thrown me curve balls and has given me many happy memories that I will cherish forever.

In 2011, I rejoiced after taking the ACT for the last time. I learned just how difficult it is to have to wait to hear back from a college. I also learned how the wait is worth it when said college sends back good news, thus making a dream you've had from childhood a reality. I started to appreciate nature more. I traveled to the place where I began my life and fell in love with it. I started to blog more often and quickly became addicted. I moved 1,600 miles away from home. I met people that have changed my life and that I know will continue to change my life. I hiked the Y in the middle of the night. I bestowed gifts of popcorn upon unsuspecting, sleeping studiers, assisted by Julayne and Annie. I learned about service. I had my first surprise party. I gained a greater appreciation for all the things my mother did for me when I lived at home. I lived with girls for the very first time. I danced in the kitchen while baking. I asked for help when I needed it (but only after fretting about my problems on my own for far too long). I laid on Allie's bed and asked Lissa for advice. I came to a greater understanding of and appreciation for the power of the Priesthood. I watched people change. I wondered if I'd changed. I had good days and bad days and days in between. I baked in the middle of the night with Allie. I danced in the snow like a child. I invited myself over to friend's apartments. I missed my family. I bonded over food and music and movies. I had lunch dates with Jess. I learned how to share a room. I cried over things both serious and silly. I spent hours studying in the library. I discovered my passions. I stayed up late to comfort a friend. I took turns with Melanie choosing where to sit in Book of Mormon. I looked at the mountains and felt so small. I prayed in my room and in the bathroom and during tests. I carved a soap sculpture. I turned in cookies and brownies for a grade. I hung pictures by my bed so that I could see familiar faces first thing each morning. I bought a Pillow Pet. I heard Emily talk in her sleep. I learned more about what family means.

I did many things in 2011. Most of them may seem ordinary, but to me they were more than that. They were extraordinary. They meant something. I think that the all encompassing theme of 2011 was just that: everything means something. Small experiences can lead to large changes. I want to harness that knowledge and use it to make 2012 even greater and even more meaningful.

Goodbye, 2011...it's been fun.