I wanted to reflect on this past year, but couldn’t think of everything I’ve done. Pulled up a corny survey to see if it could remind me, lol.

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Stayed single almost the whole year?
Actually, I did not. I hung out with my amazing boyfriend for the first time during the snow-pocalypse in Chicago, in February. Literally, since that day, my heart was taken. Five months and about 100,000 text messages later, he asked me to be his girlfriend, :) 

Were involved in something you’ll never forget?
Actually, yes. I feel like I accomplished a lot, I’m really proud of myself. Here’s some of the greats:

• Back in March, I was involved with a movement called Tunnel of Opression at my school. We basically turned a floor of one of our buildings into this haunted house, per se. Basically, the whole point of Tunnel was to show how it feels to be the minority. The struggles we deal with, the racism that still exists, and how uncomfortable it is for us to be in certain situations. People would go in with groups, through a tiny small hall, where they had to duck down to get through and sit in different situations to experience what my friends and I have experienced. Different situations included, being belittled in a classroom because of race, situations where you’ve been called a bitch, where there is cyberbullying against sexual orientation, stereotyping in public places such as airports, and more. After people would go through, there would be a debriefing room where they can calm down, talk about the experience etc. It was insane hearing the reactions from people. Some didn’t take it seriously, some thought it was moving, a lot of people were really offended at the things the actors were saying to them. It was an interactive tour. So, they were not only hearing about our stories, we were acting them out on them, making the participants the victims. I was surprised to see how many people came out of Tunnel in tears because they had never felt so helpless. They would come out and say, “Okay, I understand, but you guys dramatized it so much, it was a little hard to take seriously.” Funny thing is, we didn’t dramatize at all. Everything that was in that house, was the exact situation that we had all been in. The words that you would thing were taken so far, were definitely the words that were used. Once they heard that, you could tell that their thoughts of the whole process changed. I feel so luck to be a part of the planning process for Tunnel of Oppression. I’m also so grateful that I was able to be an actor in it as well. Seeing reactions first hand was absolutely insane. You know, we may not have change the world, but for some of those people who walked, we definitely made an impact.
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  If you are more curious about Tunnel of Opression, please google it. They do it at a TON of schools. If there’s one near you, or it’s at your school, please get involved, or go through the house yourself. It’s an experience.
  Video Promo for tunnel, at my school (you’ll see me speaking!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bXyw4se0lA

• Just recently, I was able to feel what it’s like to be a part of someone’s dream. If you did not know, I work for Chicago Fire MLS. A few weeks ago, the team held open try outs, scouting some new team members. My job was to help set up the whole event, decorating, organizations, etc. The day of, I helped with all execution of the event. About 250 registrations, and I was able to meet every single person who was trying out. Speaking to them, players from literally all of the world flew in to tryout for an hour hoping to get a call back for their shot on the MLS. Some players were so nervous, they would go to the bathroom every five minutes, some were exciting, some were just quiet. It was nuts. For whoever makes the final cut, I know that I was some how a part of that, no matter how big or small, or by just saying, “relax, take a deep breath, go get ‘em,” on their way inside the field. Being able to be there and see how many love what they do was an amazing feeling and experience I’ll never forget.

Saw one of your favorite bands/artists live?

I did, haha. Mr. Bruno Mars. ..For the fourth time. I’m not mad either, haha. Every time I see him, it’s amazing.

Did something you regret?
I wont say no, there’s things I wish I didn’t do, but hey, they were all learning experiences. ..Although, there’s no need to bring up those specific occasions, lol.

Did you lose any friends?
Unfortunately, yes. Sad, but friends come and go, I’ve learned to accept that.

2011: Your BIRTHDAY!

Did you get any presents?
I did, my best, being a plane ticket to California. Vacation with my boyfriend, <3 Thanks, Mom.

Did you change at all this year?
Please, change is the only constant in the world.

Did you go on any vacations?
Yes, for my 21st birthday, I went to Los Angeles, California with my boyfriend. It was really fun. And let me tell you, the beaches were beautiful -Especially in Malibu.

What was the best part of last year?
It’s really hard to pinpoint. I had a ton of great memories. I think it just made this past year the best.

Worst part?
Mm, my parents decided to split up this year. After about 30 years of being together. Not saying it’s the worst because of the split up. I’m so happy for my mom to be out of an emotionally and mentally abusive relationship. She, out of anyone I know, deserves to be the most happy. I’m really glad she’s finally getting that chance, but what has made it so terrible, is the amount of stress it had put on me. Trying to find the balance of the two adults while you’re trying to be an adult yourself is so stressful. I almost wish they had separated when I was a kid so everything was decided for me. It really just sucked hearing all the secrets come out and the cheating and all this nonsense. It’s really put a toll on my relationship with both my parents as well as the relationship I am in now, and which ever ones I may be in, in the future. I barely trust anyone, and I’m always thinking the worst in my relationship. It’s also very hard for me to open up to my boyfriend because I’m afraid to be hurt like my mother was. It sucks, but I’m dealing with it. In the end, it’s some how making me stronger.

What was the biggest surprise of last year?
For real, how many babies were being born through out the year. I almost felt like the odd man out because I wasn’t pregnant, haha. Also, probably the changes for the better. I changed my major at the beginning of last year, and it was probably the best decision I’ve ever made. It opened up so many doors for me, and has made me so much more excited for my future.

What are you most looking forward to nest year?
Applying for college graduation!! Literally can not even believe that the time has gone so fast. Fall 2012 I will be getting ready to graduate that following spring 2013, and it really freaks me out! Haha, I hope I’m ready. Also, I look forward to growing up. It’s crazy, but I’m ready for the real world.

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Not sure if this is what I was planning on writing about, but hey, it’s something. This year brought on a ton of memories good and not so good. I’m really excited to see what 2012 has in store for me and everyone involved in my life.