Looking into the past and the future as I turn 20

Published 04/11/2017

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As a child, I always had fun birthday parties. My first birthday was Mickey and Minnie Mouse themed, while later on in elementary school, I had parties at a nail salon and a hotel. By the time I reached middle school, I simply wanted to do an activity with my friends to celebrate my birthday, such a roller skating. Nonetheless, we were never too old to end the night with a sleepover, watching movies and sharing stories all night long.

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Since entering college, birthdays have certainly not been the same for me. I no longer have the time or money to throw a big party or to spend the entire day doing fun activities. Even more, I do not get to have birthday cake and ice cream with my extended family.

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As my 20th birthday quickly approaches, I know that I cannot quite expect the same birthday as the years before. I will be spending time with my mom and brother, going shopping and out to dinner. I also will most likely go out for ice cream with friends. Nonetheless, I will not be having a big birthday party and will not receive as many gifts as I did.

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Thus, for this birthday, instead of solely focusing on gifts and birthday festivities, I have decided to reflect on some of the beneficial experiences I have had over the past 20 years. In a way, these can be seen as gifts too, for they have helped to mold me into the person I am today. While these are only a few of these experiences, I am very grateful for all of the “gifts” life has given me.

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1. Spending time with family

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While I still am able to see and spend time with my family today, I do not get to see them as much as I used to. I now appreciate the activities more that my mom used to plan for my family, from going to storytime at the library to vacationing in Myrtle Beach. She did not want my brother and me to simply sit around our house, but always found something for us to do. Because of her efforts, I can honestly say that my childhood was never boring.

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2. Traveling abroad

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With the support of my family, along with a great amount of fundraising, I was able to travel to Italy, France and Spain for a leadership program the summer after my junior year of high school. This trip exposed me to the vast history and beautiful scenery of Europe. It was also the first time I had ever left America and separated from my parents for such an extended period of time. This trip not only made my next trip abroad — a mission trip to Albania during my senior year — much easier, but it also helped me to become more independent.

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3. Pursuing dance

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When I was younger, I considered quitting my main hobby: dancing. I often felt discouraged because the girls at my dance studio were more advanced than me, making me feel insecure. However, with hard work and the help of private lessons, I was able to drastically improve my flexibility and dance technique, restoring my confidence and giving me a greater love for dance. I am thankful today that I did not give up and that my family was able to afford to the many dance classes, competitions and workshops that I attended. Dance not only gives me an outlet to relieve the stress of college but also allows me to express myself in new and creative ways.

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This list could go on and on; there are many more life experiences that I am grateful for. Nonetheless, I also look forward to the amazing experiences the future holds. I have several things to check off on my “before I graduate” list, from hiking Humpback to getting the first ticket at Bodo’s. Next year I plan to study abroad in either France or Morocco, while in a mere two years I will be walking across the Lawn to receive my diploma. Even more, I look forward to starting a new life after college, beginning my career and other aspects of adulthood. There are many “gifts” I am yet to receive — not just on my birthday, but also for years to come.

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