2019: Year in Review

December 30, 2019

What a year it’s been. In 2019, I went from college student to full-fledged adult. I moved to a new city, lived by myself for the first time, and conquered the long-distance aspect of my relationship! I explored new cities and checked states off my bucket list. There were many highs, but also significant lows. I experienced a (thankfully minor) health concern and struggled with anxiety throughout the year.

Since the first eight months of this year were crazy, I’ve largely broken this post out month by month. If you’re looking for a quicker read, feel free to scroll to the bottom where I concisely recap my 2019 travel destinations and favorite blog posts. If you’re ready for a detailed and vulnerable account of the highs and lows of the year, buckle up and keep on reading.

January

In January, I started my final semester at the University of South Carolina, received a wonderful surprise visit from Max for MLK Day Weekend, and visited Denver, Colorado, with two of my best friends. At the tail end of our trip to Denver, the city got more snow than anticipated and our flight home was derailed. I ended up rerouting to DC, where I nearly missed more snow, and ultimately made it back to school just a day later than planned.

January was also the beginning of my acid reflux problems. I started having heartburn several times a day and felt like there was something caught between my stomach and esophagus.

February

On February 4, I launched this blog! The blog ended up being a much-needed creative outlet with most of my days spent filling out job applications, writing the literature review for my thesis, and feeling very anxious about the future. In the second half of February, I had my first job interview, which happened to be for the summer fellowship that I ultimately accepted. I bought myself an inexpensive pair of shoes in celebration of getting the interview and receiving positive feedback from my thesis director. That was the bright spot of an otherwise tough month.

March

I started March with an endoscopy to figure out the cause of my worsening acid reflux. At the time, I was only eating plain pasta, kale smoothies, and bananas because everything else gave me painful heartburn. And I ate dinner no later than 5 p.m. each day so that I wouldn’t wake up with heartburn in the middle of the night. Although the endoscopy caused me to miss my last sorority formal (which Max flew into town for), I was thankful to be taking a step towards getting answers and hopefully some relief.

For spring break in March, I made a quick stop in Greenville for my mom’s 50th birthday party and then spent the rest of the week doing job interviews in DC. Then, in mid-March, I was extended an offer for the summer fellowship that I really wanted. I was relieved to know what my next step would be after graduation but also daunted by finding an apartment, stretching the fellowship pay in an expensive city, and knowing that the gig may not lead to a full-time job.

In addition, the end of March held fun college lasts. I had my final sorority function, dubbed “Senior Band,” and was named a 2019 Outstanding Senior at my university.

April

In April, Max and I had some much-needed R&R during our long weekend in Fort Myers, Florida. During this month, I also spent Easter at home in Greenville, finished and defended my thesis, and had my final day of undergraduate classes. One other highlight of April was taking my senior photos.

May

My May started with apartment hunting in DC. I knew my price point and the neighborhoods I was interested in, but was thrown for a loop when the first place I toured had higher rates than what they advertised online and lacked a kitchen sink! Luckily, the rest of the apartments were better (equipped with kitchen sinks and all!) and I found the studio apartment where I live now.

Once I found my apartment, I returned to Columbia for commencement festivities—both official, like the Honors College Revocation, and unofficial, like last night out at Jake’s. During the graduation ceremony, I truly felt proud of myself, something I’m typically not good at. I’ll never forget moving the tassel from right to left!

Other highlights from May were my graduation party, dropping Max off at the airport for the last time as a long-distance couple, and finally figuring out the cause of my acid reflux. During my follow-up appointment with the gastroenterologist, I learned that I genetically have a weak lower esophageal sphincter, which is the bundle of muscles that connects the esophagus to the stomach and prevents acid from traveling backward. The gastroenterologist doubled the dosage of my antacid and I am so thankful that I’ve felt significantly better ever since!

June

June was a big month! I attended my brother’s high school graduation, took my mom on a culinary tour of Greenville, moved to DC, and started my summer fellowship.

July

In July, I celebrated Independence Day in true DC fashion, took a trip to Wintergreen, Virginia, with friends, and saw John Mayer in concert. These were high points of the month, with the low being the anxiety I felt about the possibility of having to job hunt again if I was not hired on full-time after my fellowship. In hindsight, I am so grateful for the support I had from my mom and Max during this time. They listened to all of my worries and comforted me time and time again.

August

In August, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders when I received a full-time job offer from the company where I was doing my fellowship. I had a week off before starting in my new role and was able to take a fun, quick trip to Lewes, Delaware, with my mom.

September & October

In September and October, I finally felt settled into my new, post-grad life in DC. I joined the Junior League of Washington and a local yoga studio. Perhaps the best part of these months was getting used to living in the same city as Max (which somehow felt fleeting during my fellowship). We also spent a weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, which was one of my favorite trips of the year!

November & December

In November, I celebrated my 23rd birthday and reflected on the life lessons I’ve learned so far. I also spent Thanksgiving in South Carolina (my first time home in six months) and checked lots of items off of my fall bucket list. December was filled with festivities, including work parties, wreath-making, and a candle-lit tour of the Biltmore. I was grateful to have a week of vacation to spend with my family and friends in Greenville.

Looking back on 2019 as a whole, I realize that everything was working for my greater good, even though I couldn’t see it at the time. I see now that I let negative thought spirals get the better of me throughout the year. In 2020, my top priority is getting this under control. Next Monday, I’ll be sharing the rest of my goals for the upcoming year. In the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful and safe New Year’s Eve!