The year 2013 was a crazy (in the best way possible) one for me. After returning from a cruise to the Panama Canal with my family, I flew across the Atlantic to spend the semester in Genoa, Italy. While living in Genoa, I not only had the opportunity to explore Italy, but I visited Paris, Berlin, Dublin, and Barcelona.  I also ventured into Switzerland with my friends Derrick and Jennifer, and went on a Mediterranean cruise solo and with my family.  After returning to the United States, I had only a few weeks at home before I flew to New York City to spend the summer participating in a Clemson architecture studio.  I then tackled my third move of the year into a cute, new college community with my roommate, Sarah.

My fall semester at Clemson was my final synthesis studio and also the most demanding and exhausting I've ever experienced.  I did, however, get to travel to Chicago with the fourth-year architecture students and also managed to squeeze in a trip to Walt Disney World to celebrate my sister's birthday at the Food & Wine Festival (becoming annual passholders!).  And I got to participate in some monumental celebrations - Clemson School of Architecture celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the Villa in Genoa during my semester abroad (how's that for perfect timing?) and the 100th Anniversary of the School of Architecture with a 50K Beaux Arts Ball in Lee III.  I also celebrated four years with my boyfriend, Max (awww!)..... in a tent, camping out for Clemson football tickets.  And speaking of Clemson football, I got to cheer on the team during one of our best seasons, yet.... and the sign I made for ESPN Game Day got a lot of airtime, thanks to my sister Rachel's hard work holding it up!

Over Thanksgiving, I traveled with my family to Mississippi to remember the life of my sweet MeMaw who passed away on November 23, but also to celebrate the birthday which I share with my dear Granddaddy (November 29 - he's 85, and I'm feelin' 22!).  I stressed over graduate school applications and portfolio (Want to see?  Visit my website!) along with my FINAL final review at Clemson.  But all of the hard work was worth it when I got to celebrate Christmas with my family during our cruise to the Eastern Caribbean on the Royal Princess and ring in the New Year at my favorite place on earth - Walt Disney World!

2013 was an amazing year.  A year of exploration and adventure, loss and remembrance, and celebration of triumphs big and small.  It was a year of growing up - traveling and living by myself (and with some wonderful friends), and then contemplating and working towards my future (as uncertain right now as that may be).  I got to know a lot of amazing people and was touched and inspired by many.  And I've learned that no challenge is too big to overcome, especially when you are surrounded by people who love and care about you.... and believe in you.

Panama Canal (Christmas Day 2012)