A year of gratitude -

Happy New Years everyone! 2017 is officially in the books and I wanted to spend some time reflecting and being grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had this past year. I’m currently in Dublin and can’t wait to share with y’all the amazing things I’ve seen and done while here!

But first here’s a look back of my 2017!

Winter

I began the year in Costa Rica on another EF Ultimate Break tour and met some incredible people. It was an amazing experience and started a wonderful tradition of ringing in the year in a new place. Once back to the states I filled my time with friends, fun and a new job!

Spring

Spring at UNC is all about basketball! And 2017 was the year for the Tar Heels! Experiencing a national championship win was an incredible experience that carried through till the end of the semester.

This season was also full of transitions! I was able to land my very first internship at TOPO Distillery and get my very own apartment.

Summer

Over the summer I adventured to my first hot air balloon festival, New York and Quebec. While in Quebec I was blown away by how kind Canadians truly are and how delicious poutine is. I also learned a great deal about distilling liquor, marketing, and operations while interning at the distillery.

I spent slow days enjoying the sun by a lake or beach and worked to save for more adventures!

Lastly Fall

This fall was probably the most jam-packed season. With my senior year at UNC beginning I finally turned 21, my oldest sister got married, I started my blog and booked this trip to Dublin and London.

I have an incredible amount to be grateful for over this past year. But in this time I also lost my beloved grandfather and that heartache is still with me today. He was a wise and hilarious grandfather that loved me and always encouraged me to take life by the horns. I’m immensely grateful for his influence in my life and can’t wait until August of 2018 when I’ll move out to California and be closer to my grandmother. They are where I get my adventurous spirit from and I wouldn’t know who I’d be without them!

I wanted to say a special thanks to all of you! This blog has helped me in so many ways and the encouragement I’ve received has blown me away. I am truly grateful for each of you and hope in 2018 I can continue to grow and travel and try new things!

Have a wonderful New Year and an adventurous 2018 y’all!

Also one more special thanks to Gabby Whiten and Jakob Lilja-Ruiz for their incredible photography!