18 Years Old

Senior year was the most life-changing year for me, in every sense of the word. After months of isolation, high school finally opened up again, and I began to enjoy the full experience. Hanging out with friends more, socializing, and living life outside the confines of my room helped me realize how much I had missed those connections.

Eventually, all that socializing led me to the love of my life— someone I'm still with today. It was like everything clicked into place. My confidence grew exponentially, and I started to feel more comfortable and fulfilled in every area of my life. And of course, graduating high school was a monumental moment— it felt like a fresh start. On top of it all, I got accepted into St. John's University, which was the icing on the cake for a year that truly marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.