2011 was a strange year.  I can remember few years with as many major events as 2011.  Tornados, earthquakes, the Republican primary campaign, the Arab Spring, the death of Osama Bin Laden, the troops returning from Iraq, and so many other events... it truly was a strange and noteworthy year.

In my own life, 2011 was a year of transition, and a year of growth.  As I look over my last semester of work, I'm pleased with my grades and my effort.  I'm succeeding at GW, and I feel confident in my future.  I know I have chosen the right path for myself, and I am proud of what I have accomplished.  Even so, I'm hesitant to make any major life decisions right now.  In the past, I've always gotten caught up in planning every detail of my future.  I make elaborate plans for every possible situation, and I sometimes struggle when faced with changes in my plans. Recently, I've been mulling over many questions, like whether or not I should pursue a doctorate when I finish my masters, or if I want to work in higher education or outside of a university. All of this planning and decision-making has become exhausting.  I feel as though it is time for me to put aside those decisions and focus on what is happening now.  I want to embrace this time of my life.  I want to focus on my education and my growth as an individual. I want to be present in my own life instead of day-dreaming about the future.

2012 offers many new opportunities.  I am looking forward to a year of settling in and exploring my new home.  I am excited about my upcoming courses, and I am excited to meet new people and experience more of Washington, D.C.  The past few years of my life have been anything but stable, and it is comforting to know that if everything goes as planned, I'll still be here in a year from now, looking over my booklist and preparing for another semester.

I wish everyone a very safe and happy 2012.  Whether you expect a year of transition, a year of growth, or even just a year of hard work, I wish you the very best in all your endeavors.  As for me, I just hope to be sitting here a year from now, enjoying the last few weeks before the beginning of another semester.

Happy new year!