I've always
known that 13 was one of my lucky numbers, and the year 2013 definitely proved
that.
I rang in the
New Year in one of my favorite places, Omaha, Nebraska, with my mom's side of
the family. My dad, like always, ensured it was a night to remember by being
the entertaining drunk he is. (Mexicans get drunk and celebrate from New Year’s
Eve until the early morning of New Year’s Day). He called out my cousin’s
cousin (a guy not related to me) and made us dance together. Needless to say,
it was embarrassing but hilarious.
As the year
progressed, I competed in Business Professionals of America at the regional
level and won 1st Place in my event (entrepreneurship). I concluded my year as
BPA State Sergeant-At-Arms during the state conference in Houston, and for the
first time ever I advanced to nationals by placing 1st in my event at the state
level.
Because of
this achievement, I had the opportunity to travel to Disney World for the first
time. It was the happiest week of my life. I had the chance to visit all of the
parks. I experienced a Cirque Du Soleil show. I met my favorite Princess, Snow
White. She kissed me on the cheek and I got her autograph! Oh, and the girl who
played Snow White followed me on Instagram. I was in awe at the beautiful light
shows at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. It was the most magical experience of my
life.
I had the
blessing to work at Pizza Hut from January to June of 2013. I had my own car
and I was making money, so I had an amazing time being able to take my brothers
out to dinner and to the movies.
I was
teaching my first Confirmation class at my local Catholic Church, and I had the
privilege to witness my students take initiative to form a relationship with
God. I saw them receive the holy sacrament of Confirmation, and saw them enjoy
a weekend Church retreat.
I graduated
high school in 2013, and as Senior Class President I had the opportunity to
give a speech at my graduation.
In 2013 I
found out that I was accepted to The University of Texas at Austin. I also
managed to land a summer research internship at MD Anderson Cancer Center. So,
a week after my graduation I was off to live in Houston on my own for seven
weeks. I had my housing at Rice University paid for, and I was only responsible
for going to work and buying groceries. My love for working in a research lab
intensified over that summer. I formed a bond with the wonderful people in my
lab, my roommates for that summer, and other students in the program. I got to
witness a breast reconstruction surgery and an open heart surgery. It was a
truly amazing and memorable summer.
In August, I
moved to Austin to attend UT. I immediately made some amazing friends.
Throughout my first semester I experienced so many things, from randomly
dancing in the middle of the library to getting my ear bitten by a random
stranger who ran up to me while I stood in the middle of sixth street on
Halloween. I enjoyed my classes so much. I continued to fall in love with
research while taking a research methods class. My Chemistry teacher constantly
poured liquid nitrogen all over our class (liquid nitrogen is one of my
favorite things ever) and he picked me to help make liquid nitrogen ice cream
right before Thanksgiving. I had the chance to go to lunch with my Biology
professor and got to know her. I joined an Improv troupe, and de-stressed
performing with them every Monday. I had the chance to experience UT frat
parties, random hangouts, and Sixth Street. I had the chance to go see free Improv
shows, free concerts, and free talent showcases. I watched our Longhorn
football team play, as well as our volleyball team. I made lifelong friends and
had one hell of an amazing semester.
Before I came
home for Christmas break, my boyfriend asked me to be his girlfriend. I had an
amazing Christmas with my dad's side of the family, went to a random hangout
with some UT friends, & rang in 2014 with my dad's side.
I had a very
wonderful 2013, and although I had many blessings I definitely had more than my
share of bad times. But, the great thing about a New Year is that it is a
promise for a new beginning. It is a promise that life goes on. It allows you
to think back on the year that just passed and look at it from a big picture
perspective. It helps you realize how much you've changed, grown, how much
you've accomplished, and how you can improve.
I've always
been one to break my New Year's Resolutions, so this year I just simply hope to
be able to become a better person mentally, spiritually, emotionally,
physically, and educationally.
I hope you
all have an amazing 2014. Don't let petty things stress you, be a little more
confident, take risks, pursue a new venture, put yourself out there, and never
settle for less than you deserve.
2013, it's
been a great run but you're in the past now.
It's time to
make 2014 an even better year than 2013 was.
-TBCG
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