23

There's a Yellowcard song called 'Twenty Three'...when I first heard it, 23 seemed like it was so far away (and to 14-year-old Michelle, it was). Now as my last hours of 23 wind down, I find myself being reflective on what this year entailed (and having that song stuck in my head even though it has absolutely no context in my life besides the number.)

Am I a year older? Yes. Wiser? Possibly. More mature and sure of myself is probably a better way of putting it.

I learned a lot about myself this year. I completely threw myself out of my comfort zone last summer and learned that I can do anything I set my mind to. I learned that I have a passion for what I do and making a difference in the lives of my students.

And most of all...I learned to live in the moment.

23 taught me to be okay with myself when I make a mistake. I've learned so much from when I've fallen flat on my face than from when I've succeeded.

23 brought my first professional conferences and finding a way to use social media to network and become part of the ever-changing conversations within my field.

23 helped me to solidify friendships I've had for years, and create new ones I know will last for years to come (I'm looking at you, nerdfighters. Y'all weren't in my life before this year.)

There were hard times this year too. I'm not overlooking that by any stretch, this week being a prime example. But I've also learned that through pain comes some of the greatest triumphs.

24 is going to see some major changes. Graduating from grad school and my first real job being the first two changes that come to mind...I'm excited to see where this next year is going to take me.