In 2010, I turned 11. I was in the midst of puberty. I began middle school (and probably haven’t had as much fun since). I went to my first dance, and I slow-danced with a boy (ew). I listened to Taio Cruz and Usher. I had many a sleepover.

In 2011, I had my first “boyfriend;” we “dated” for four days. I watched Back to the Future eight times in one week. I told someone I loved them (and I didn’t really mean it). I listened to Mylo Xyloto for the first time. The Harry Potter movie series ended. I traveled to Canada.

In 2012, I started obsessing over One Direction (and I’m still suffering the emotional consequences). I went on a school trip to Williamsburg (where I now go to college!) I had my first kiss. I made a tumblr and heavily related to #justgirlythings. I watched a lot of Glee.

In 2013, I graduated 8th grade and moved onto high school. I got an iPhone. I went to a concert without my parents. I endured my first timed mile. I made a lot of new friends. I became a little angst-y.

In 2014, I started dating – and was dumped by – my first “real” boyfriend. I started taking “the pill.” I met someone who later became one of my best friends. I was cheated on.

In 2015, I traveled to Denmark (where I will soon be studying abroad). I was in a movie! I went to prom alone by choice. One Direction came out with their last album. My family got a beach house. I got a job.

In 2016, I began a healthy relationship. I took the SATs three times. I went to Nicaragua and Honduras, and I came back with a parasite both times. I passed my driving test! I began my senior year of high school. I applied to college. I started watching Game of Thrones. I lost the Friends’ League championship. 

In 2017, I graduated high school and began college, leaving behind my entire childhood. I went to “prom house.” I sang a solo for hundreds of people. I completed an internship. I had my first roommate. I became a legal adult.

In 2018, I studied at Cambridge. I started this blog. I got a 4.0. I declared a major (for the first time, not the last time). I was single for the first time since, really, 2013. I was ghosted. I joined a sorority. I got a tattoo.

In 2019, I lived in DC. I met people who were eerily similar to me. I traveled across the country. I got my nose pierced. I dealt with a lot of drama. Game of Thrones ended. I dropped my sorority. I changed my major. I turned 20 and waved goodbye to my beautiful, relentless teen years.