Although 2023 has come and gone, the memories and opportunities I made are here to stay for a lifetime. From the beginning of a new semester in January to the closing of a semester in December, this span of a year has given me the time to grow both inside and outside the classroom.

The beginning of the year was marked by time spent studying for midterms, but was closely followed by the fun and excitement of Gym Meet season. As a sophomore, this second gym meet was a chance to come back with even more ideas to implement into our various routines. For me, the most prominent change from my first gym meet to my second was playing for song – an opportunity that helped me grow closer to everyone I worked with as well as a chance to share my piano experience with an even bigger audience.

Soon enough, it started getting warmer and the days were sunlit for longer, so I took the time to relax and spend time with friends. Apart from lots of rest, summer also provided me with the chance to gain insightful experience into the medical environment of a hospital such as GBMC. The NDP WINternship program gave me this wonderful opportunity to broaden my horizons and understanding of a career I may want to pursue – this insight especially helped me grow outside of the classroom.

Even as the days grew shorter, the range of opportunities for growth never ceased to expand. As my junior year began, I knew that it marked a special milestone of becoming an upperclasswoman and embracing my new responsibilities. Despite harder classes and even more hard work, so far, my journey as an upperclasswoman has shaped me into the person I am now. Even with the closing of the year, this time presented some exciting experiences such as club leadership and fun outings with friends.

Looking back at 2023, the year provided unforgettable experiences and gave me wonderful opportunities to grow as a person, student, and friend.