Last year, I almost decided not to be here.
And yet, I’m here. I’m alive. I’m humbled. I’m blessed.
It’s been a rough year for me. I’m trying to finish my undergraduate degree. I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with my life. I’ve had to deal with events that have deeply moved me. Most importantly, I’ve let others down – and I’ve let myself down – too many times.
But this year, I’ve also learned a lot – about the world, about history, about music, about coffee and above all, about myself.
I took some time off of school and from life to reflect. I’ve come to understand who I’m not: I’m not meant for law school or grad school – at least not now. I’ve learnt that I’m not that terrible of a person. I’ve learnt not to be who I am not.
Now I’m 23 and I have some idea of who I am and what I stand for. I try to be humble. I try to be empathetic. I try to be more appreciative and to know that I am blessed with so much.
I’ve seen good bands. I’ve heard good music. I’ve watched fantastic films. I witnessed the Raptors make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. I adopted a dog, a Cockapoo named JJ, who has brought indescribable joy to my life.
I am blessed for the friends I have. For the people who have stuck with me through it all. I am blessed for the opportunity to learn at U of T – a tough institution that is at times unfair, but always a learning experience. I am blessed for UNSOC and to know that I played a part in building a community that is growing, both as a competitive team AND as a family. And I am blessed with a family that has supported me every step of the way.
23 is continuity, but it is also a new year with new opportunities. I am running this blog. I’m trying to keep a podcast running. And I have very big plans in store that some friends know about. I’m really excited for what 23 means and what it has in store.
I made it through, made it through, made it through
And everything I gave to you, I gave to you, I gave to you
You got it, you got it, you got it, it’s coming.