Gracie Turns 20!

Looking Ahead to the Next Decade & Reflecting on the Previous One

In just a couple short hours, I will be entering the next phase of my life. My 20s. While I was initially terrified at this prospect, I have found that this is something to celebrate! I have successfully made it through my crazy, hectic, awkward, and silly teenage years! Looking back through photos and videos has made me very emotional. I am so fortunate to have spent my teenage years surrounded by such remarkable individuals who have shaped me into the person I am today!

It's a bit surreal to think of myself as 20 years old. Considering my thirteenth birthday was spent staying up until midnight to celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, it's safe to say that nothing has changed and everything has changed for me all at the same time. At my core, I am still a lover of all things magical and whimsical, but hopefully I have grown out of the awkwardness of thirteen. And yet, I am so grateful to have been surrounded by friends who encouraged me to embrace the things which made me happy, no matter how odd or nerdy those things may be. My early teenage years were spent in anticipation of high school and all the drama I was sure would ensue. I began my journey of learning to drive and challenged myself with hard classes. I found that I was more capable than I ever would have thought possible! I was just beginning to find my groove when we were all struck by the global pandemic. Most of my sophomore year and the entirety of my junior year were spent in the four walls of my pink, Paris-themed bedroom. It was there that I developed my own personality, style, taste in music, and career aspirations.

In my late teenage years, I was lucky to return to school. I loved my friends, I loved my classes, and I loved home. The thought of going off to college terrified me! Somewhat hypocritically, when people asked me where I wanted to go to college, I would mention schools across the country exclusively. My mom and me took a trip spanning Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and New York City, and we saw twelve schools in total. Still, my mom wanted me to apply to some schools in California just in case. I wasn't sold on this idea, so she told me, "Oh! Just apply somewhere pretty!" As graduation and college decisions quickly approached, I grew more and more anxious. I hadn't settled on a school yet, and everyone kept asking. Finally, less than a week before decision day, I found it! My home for the next four years: The University of San Diego. For the first time, I couldn't wait to get started! I started googling professors and watching sorority TikToks. I was thrilled! I had a lovely graduation experience and exciting senior summer, but I believe my most formative teenage year was my nineteenth year of life.

My nineteenth year of life included starting college, making new friends, becoming a Division I athlete, joining a sorority, getting a job, and learning how to grow up. This past year, I have cried more than I ever have before, and I have learned that this world can be very cruel. This year, however, I have also laughed more than I knew could be possible, and I have learned that there are so many good people in this world! The people I love and the experiences I've had help me know one thing for certain: I am ready for my 20s!

So I have created this blog as a way for me to document all of the adventures my 20s have to offer me! I hope to share my highs, my lows, and everything in between. I want to capture all of these precious moments in my life in this digital diary in hopes that I can look back on this years from now and smile.

Thank you for coming on this journey with me, I hope you've enjoyed your glimpse of Gracie! ;)