The End Is Here!

I know it's been almost a week since my last post, but I've just been so busy! I'm completely done with classes as of yesterday, and with only one final left (which isn't until a week from now), my second year of college is pretty much over.

It's so strange to think that I'm more than halfway done with my undergrad work (technically, I've been a junior for the whole of spring semester, because I came to NYU with so many credits already completed). I've learned so much these past two years, and I've grown up so much, this year especially. All of the things I'm doing now- being so independent, managing my money well, working while going to school, getting my own apartment, for heavens sake- I never would have been able to do them at this time a year ago. I've learned so much about myself, about people, I've let down a lot of my guards, and I've put up some that were probably necessary all along.

I think the best feeling for me came last Saturday. Classes were basically over, and it was the boys' last concert of the year. The day itself was beautiful, and I spent all of it with people that I really love. As I walked home, the night coming to a close (well, okay, the morning- it was 4:30 AM), I realized how very lucky I am to be surrounded by so many incredible people, who I love so much, and who love me as well! At this time last year, or even six months ago, I was constantly in tears, depressed and confused about what was going on. But so much has happened- I've dealt with some major setbacks, but I've learned to handle them and overcome them. I've had some issues with friends, but I've realized I can only do so much, and when someone is hell-bent on self-destruction, there's nothing I'll be able to do to stop them. I've made some major mistakes, but I've picked myself up and managed to fix them. I've learned to recognize that I am the most important person in my life, to treat myself with respect, and to stand up for myself and my feelings instead of letting people walk all over me. I've learned that it really doesn't matter what most people think of me, because the people that really matter and love me will tell me the truth about myself, and will stick by me while I figure it all out, since I have done/will do the same for them.

It's so strange to think back to senior year of high school. I thought I was all grown up, ready to go out into the world and take it on full force. I thought I was ready for anything. I thought I could handle whatever came my way.

If there's anything college has taught me so far (besides lots of random facts about World War II, how to deal with a hangover, and that street fairs are not something to get excited about), it's that I'm not invincible. I've been so humbled by everything that I've experienced during my time here, and I can't wait to see what the next two years (and then grad school) bring me.

But for now, it's summertime. I'm working. And that's it. It's almost like being on vacation! I have a feeling that the summer of 2010 is going to be one for the record books, and I can't wait to see what happens next.