Hello, and welcome to 2024!
To kick off the first post of the year, I (AQ) wanted to give an update and give a small recap of last year!
The biggest lesson I took away from 2023 is to live in the present moment. I saw two shooting stars and a meteor last year, but I don’t have pictures to prove it. While the shooting stars were too sudden to even think about getting my camera out, I was out purposefully watching a meteor shower with the intent to take a picture. That didn’t happen, and I was so bummed about it that I wasn’t focusing on enjoying the rare and beautiful moment. All three of those spectacular nighttime events happened in the presence of Gail and while I was able to acknowledge the beauty and rarity of the first shooting star we saw, I took advantage of the moment with the other two events. I still remember them clearly, and I appreciate the moments now looking back, but I wish I appreciated them more at the time that they happened.
In August of 2023, I published my first work— a chapbook called “Essence” (which you can buy here), which is about a handful of people who have impacted me. While I couldn’t fit in poems for everyone I wanted to, I’m hoping to publish a second work to include even more people. I have so many more people to thank and create a poetic tribute to.
Also in August of 2023, I started college again. Jumping back into school full time after a year and a half gap year was hard. I struggled, but I passed the semester at least. I learned more about myself and my studying habits, and I feel that I’m off to a strong start for this Spring semester. I also learned that transferring to get a linguistics degree was the BEST decision for me. I’ve been so happy and engaged with my classes, and I have already learned so much!
I also joined my university’s Ultimate Frisbee team! I haven’t been able to play due to a recurring injury with my ankle, but I’ve met so many amazing people and my worry of being alone on a big campus has melted away. I’ve learned so much from my teammates, and I’m so appreciative of the opportunity to have a community on campus.
Thank y’all for sticking around! Take care of yourselves, and be on the lookout for more to come!
AQ