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New Year's Reflections

2011 was an absolutely amazing year. A lot of changes came about in my life, which was difficult at times, but I am so thankful for all of the memories and for those amazing people who have shared this year's journey with me! Here's a few of the highlights of 2011!

-In January, I got to perform in the Broadway Cabaret at my school. I was given the amazing opportunity of having my own song and a trio! It was a blast working with the amazing Van Slykes and of course my wonderful friends! Performing in this production was such a great part of my senior year!

-At the end of February, I was accepted to BYU. I spend the next couple of weeks deciding whether I was going to go to BYU or BYU-Idaho in the fall. It ended up being quite the ordeal, made even more difficult by the fact that I had never set foot on either campus in my entire life. My parents and I did extensive research about both schools. I made pro/con lists that went on for pages. Eventually, I came to a decision, but then began to second guess the choice I'd made. However, with the support of my amazing parents, wonderful friends who refrained from mocking my pro/con lists, and the amazing YW leaders I had at the time, I came to a decision to attend BYU. I had a strong feeling that this was the place that I was meant to be, and have not regretted it once.

-At the end of March, I had the opportunity to travel to Disney World with choir. I was blessed not only to have some amazing friends with me on the trip, but a ton of my family! Amy, Matthew, and Michael went on the trip and my mom and Aunt Julie were both chaperones. This was a trip that I will never forget. After spending an awesome three days in the park and competing, we took home over 15 trophies. In Madrigals and Show Choir, we both won our divisions and in the overall category, Mads tied for first, with Show Choir in second. I was so proud of my choirs, and it was awesome to be one of the ones who got to go up and accept the trophies! It was a trip I won't soon forget!

-Another choir memory I won't soon forget was Pops Concert, my final concert at HHS. I kind of loved all of the songs that my three choirs picked to perform. In addition, I got to sing a senior spotlight! I sang "The Call" by Regina Spektor. I also got to sing a solo in the Journey Medley that we performed at the end of the concert. This night was a blast, but I must admit that there were lots of tears. I realized that night how truly blessed I'd been to spend four years in the Herndon Choir department. Mrs. Van Slyke was not just an incredible teacher, but also a wonderful mentor! In addition, I learned so much and made so many wonderful memories performing with my closest friends!

-In June, I graduated from high school. Oh my goodness. So many emotions. I was so happy to have finished high school and excited to leave for BYU! At the same time, I new big changes were in store, and it was terrifying! I also had a wonderful graduation party with Matthew! So many people came to congratulate us and it meant the world to us both!

-At the end of June, I attended my last Youth Conference- Trek! Matthew and I were our wards representatives to the Youth Committee, so it was so fun to see how the event turned out after months of planning!

-In July, we took a family trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina! It's always so fun to have all 21 of us staying in a huge beach house! I am such a beach girl, and I loved spending the week with my amazing family!

-I also turned 18 in July! I still don't feel like an adult, but I guess technically I am one!

-Matthew, Becky, and I spent a couple of days in NYC in August! We saw How to Succeed in Business and explored the city!

-At the end of August I left to start my first semester at BYU after many hard good-byes. The semester that I spend there came with some of the most amazing memories of my life. I met some absolutely amazing friends! Some of my favorite memories have been: football games, movie nights, late night chats, snow adventures, venturing off campus, visit from Aunt Becky, my two run ins with the campus police that my friends relentlessly make fun of, getting to hear a devotional from President Monson, and the list could just keep on going! In addition, I grew a lot closer to my Heavenly Father in those difficult moments when I felt alone or scared. I feel so blessed to be attending BYU and am thrilled by the fact that I get to spend the next three and a half years (at least) going to school there!

-spending these past two and a half weeks back in Virginia with my family has been amazing! I got to see all of my friends, see all of the amazing people from my ward who have been such a blessing in my life, and spend time making wonderful memories with my family!

2011 has been so good to me, and I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store! Happy New Year everyone!

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