Goals are stepping stones to a new reality

I find myself with an extra two hours until my final class of the day, and as I forgot all of the books I could be reading right now, I decided I should make a NEW new year's resolution for myself - to post more on here! Even if nobody really reads it, I'd really like to start producing more posts.

A new term has started, and with it a lot of confusing feelings. Excitement? I suppose so, as much as can come with any new term that starts. I'm happy that I have some new classes, new profs, and new faces, at the very least. I'm also a little overwhelmed. Maybe that's just the tired student in me speaking, who just wants summer to come! Honestly, I'm worried about how my grades will turn out, but I will take the term just like any other - one day at a time. I suppose the biggest issue I'm worried about is what comes after graduation next year. I always assumed more school, grad school or law school. It's the time where I should start thinking about where I'll take my next steps. The idea of more school is daunting, but then again it's also choosing the kind of education to pursue. The first thing I should figure out is what I want to DO for a career, but that's scary!

So many things are on my To Do list, most of them traveling around the world. I'm very excited about my trip to South Africa in April and I'm proud of myself for being accepted into the program! As the months count down to my departure, I am positive that I will get a clearer picture of my future. I've always loved traveling, my trip to Ethiopia 3 years ago being what encouraged me to pursue a degree in International Relations. I hope that I will be able to keep this passion for traveling in my life not only alive, but active. I think something that I shouldn't forget, though, is that my head can be in the clouds all it wants, wishing I was back wherever I just came from, but I shouldn't forget that my home is just as beautiful, unique, and unexplored (by me).

So, here's to a new year of continued good times and memories made with family, friends, and loved ones. We'll make it the best one yet!