Finally: 2013 Highlights

FATIMA

10 years ago

I am finally done with my first semester of nursing school, and one step closer to my greatest dream. This semester I got both A’s and B’s rather than straight A’s, but it is more important to me that I tried more than ever before and learned so much that will make me a great nurse, than the grades on my transcript. On top of it all, I am so blessed to be part of such a close-knit group of classmates of some of the kindest and smartest people I have ever known.

Not just in terms of school, but overall, I feel like everything has fallen into place better than I could’ve ever imagined, just like it always does. I feel confident in who I am and what I stand for, I love everything about my life, and I have an amazing family and supportive friends that are always there for me. I am proud of myself for getting to this point despite the many challenges life has thrown my way, but that just makes it that much more rewarding in the end. I know it is not the end of the year quite yet, and I’m very well aware that 2014 will have its own set of unknown struggles, but I know that above all, and as always, my faith will get me through anything. And in this moment, there is nothing more I could ask for.

For the past few years, every year seems to be better than the one before, even when I think things can’t possibly get any better. If 2014 is even half as amazing as this year has been, I will have gotten more than I could ever ask for. I pray I am able to work hard for continued success in nursing school, to be patient in my relationships, and most of all, to not let the constant fear of sadness and losing what I have keep me from appreciating everything I have that makes me happy in the present moment.

This time last year I didn’t have half of what I have now, and I know these worldly things can go just as easily as they came. In the coming year, I have no doubt that I will come across a new set of obstacles; I may have problems with my health, my success and dreams, even with my relationships, but there is one thing I know for sure and that is that these things can never take away my peace of mind because I will always remember who I am and what matters most in my life within the greater context of my faith.

As always, I have learned a lot this year, and I am ready to grow even more in 2014. I hope everyone’s year is full of faith, good health, success, and lots of love and laughter! I pray that you all find the light in your spirit that will set you free, and the clarity to see the best in everything and everyone. Most of all, I wish for all of you to find faith and strength to face whatever challenges and difficulties the coming year throws your way.

Here is a little picture blog of the most memorable moments of this year with some of the most amazing people I have ever known. I’ve also added a few pictures at the end from my trip to Chicago this weekend–words cannot even express what a great experience that was! Most of these are on my Facebook page for those of you who are my friends on there, but I’ve also realized that I may potentially have a slight addiction to this blog–however, overcoming that will just have to be a resolution for another year!