2016 Highlights

I wanted to look back at my year, and reflect on the things I've done.
I'll probably put my favorites in another blog post, because this is gonna be lonnnnggg.

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January

I took a walk during a snow blizzard and did some vlogging.

My phone froze after a while, and my fingers were numb >__<

February

I went to a pop up shop for the band, The 1975, with a few friends. We waited for like 2-3 hours in the cold, and we were SO close to them!
The band had to leave early to catch a flight, and we were pushed against a barricade so they could get to their car. My friend actually has a video of them leaving, haha.
Even though we didn't get to meet them, the shop was still pretty cool. 

March

I was out on a shoot for my film, "How to Be Bad," and I got the chance to go on a roof top.
The sun was setting... and I felt so small.
Everything seemed to slow down...

April

I got more crafty this year.
I bought some watercolor paints, a fountain pen, and I did some T-shirt designs -- which by the way, is more difficult than I imagined. I just bought some fabric paint, and I couldn't layer on colors like I hoped to.

May

I took a workshop at ABC studios called "Get Reel."

It was fun to meet and listen to industry professionals, and hear their tips and stories.

ABC Eyewitness News anchor, Sade Baderinwa and I

June

I finished my first independent film, "How to Be Bad" !! 

I made this with a labor of love and hate.

I spent about 7 months planning, shooting, and editing.

If I wasn't sticking post-it note reminders on my bedroom wall, I was up all night on my computer.

I laughed, I cried.

I was tired, I was confused.

I lost footage, I gained knowledge.

I questioned my values, I made new friends.

But most importantly, I loved.

I loved the process, I loved the outcome, I loved everyone who was with me along the way.

And I will continue to love, cherish, and remember them.

Ed and I at the premiere of "How to Be Bad" - June 10th 2016

I finished my Junior year in high school! Ahh! 

I think this was a important year of growing, feeling, and learning.

My sophomore year was horrible, and it was like a emotional and mental year-long hangover.

But junior year -- I was accepting what happened in the past.

I lost a family member, and I learned how to hold down my fort at home.

There was still times where I relapsed into those melancholic mindsets, but I learned how to handle it better. I got closer with some of my friends too, and they've definitely brightened up those days.

July

I went on a family trip to South Carolina and Virginia, and it was HOT.

We got to see a lot of nature-related landscapes, and we had a medieval-themed dinner. 

There was horses, jousting, turkey legs, and Scottish accents!

August

I got an internship!

I've meet some great people who are really inspiring, and have given me a new perspective on what it means to follow my passion. Their knowledge and advice has encouraged me to pursue what I love.

September - October - November

This was a pretty much a big mush of stress, panic, and tension.

College applications literally ate up most of my time, and was constantly on my mind.

December

I GOT INTO COLLEGE!!
AHHHHHHHHHH!

I'm more scared than excited.
I don't know what to dooooooo. What's next?!?!
There's so many adulty things I have to consider, and I don't know if I'm ready.
I mean, I want to move on -- but there's still a lot of things to take it.

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Sorry if this was a lot to read.
Dear future Vicky,
If you're reading this, here's a shortened version of what to take away from 2016:

Be open to new things.
I know it's something that you always tell yourself, but actually do it!

Love the people you have.
I know you've been trying to do this with your family, and I know it's awkward.
I know you're not willing to, because there's so many things you've held for resentment.
But do it anyways.
Your friends too. They are your friends for a reason, and I know friends are super important to you. So don't forget to remind them how important they are.

Remember to love yourself.
I know you've been through some things, and thought that the no one understands.
But give yourself some time, because you've made so much progress.
I'm so proud of you.

With much love,
Vicky