2015
Wow. What a year it’s been. 2015, the year I graduated high school, got both of my jaws ripped out and repositioned in my head, and moved all the way across the country. What a blast!
Seriously though, this year has been one of the hardest and most fulfilling years of my life. Graduating high school with people I’ve known for over 10 years was definitely something I’ll never forget. It forced me to come to terms with change and moving forward in life. This isn’t something I’m particularly good at, so it was definitely a challenge to say goodbye to some amazing teachers and friends I’ve known for so long. Looking back through pictures throughout the years makes me cherish the memories I’ve had with all these wonderful people.
My summer wasn’t one for the books, but it made me thankful for the unwavering support of my parents. At the end of June, I underwent double jaw surgery and had all of my wisdom teeth taken out at the same time.
Sounds fun right?
Basically, they broke both of my jaws and then repositioned them in order for my teeth and jaws to be aligned properly and to discourage any structural problems later in life. Recovery was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through. Recovery forced me back into the role of an infant. Because I couldn’t open my mouth, let alone feel my lips that were swollen to the size of small balloons, my mom had to use a syringe to squeeze liquids into my body for a week. Slowly, I worked up to mashed potatoes, oatmeal, mac and cheese, and certainly a lot of smoothies. For weeks on end I lived on the couch, watched Friends, and took medicine every two hours. I’m so thankful for everyone who visited me or sent me healing thoughts during that gross time. I’m also so thankful for my parents and their constant love and support, even when I would break down into tears because I couldn’t eat a cheeseburger.
About 3 months after surgery, I had to pack up my bags and head out to the west coast to start my collegiate adventure. Going from feeling like a toddler eating mashed up green beans to flying out to California to move into my college dorm room was definitely a mental challenge. I couldn’t imagine myself thriving in a new environment on my own surrounded by thousands of people I didn’t know. Somehow, I got through the first few weeks and bonded nicely with my roommates and suitemates.
Even though I absolutely loved walking to class surrounded by palm trees and 70-degree weather, I will admit it was very difficult the first few months. It was pretty lonely at times because my solid, unchanging support system was no longer physically surrounding me every day. I definitely put a lot of pressure on myself to absolutely love every second, but I came to realize that it’s all a learning and growing process. You’re going to have great days and you’re going to have not so great days. People always tell you that college is THE BEST and you’re going to meet your BEST FRIENDS. I expected this to happen instantly because that is all I ever heard or saw through social media. In reality, it takes time to find great connections, and you’re not going to have a wonderful, spectacular, magical time each weekend. Sometimes you’re going to make a cup of EasyMac and sit on your bed watching Parks and Rec by yourself. I learned to become okay with that.
As the semester went on, I met many great people and became even closer with my suitemates and roommates. They each make me laugh in unique ways, and I’m thankful for the bond we share (even if there is an obscene amount of hair on our floor). I became involved in some great organizations and clubs on campus, and the people I have met through them continue to inspire me each day. It’s hard being 2400 miles away from my family and friends, but each time I come back it reminds me how thankful I am for them. My first semester of college in sunny, beautiful California was quite an adjustment, but I’m so fortunate to be able to have this experience and continue my adventure at Chapman in the coming years!
