My Taylor Swift year. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22.

I’ve always been a part of the younger crowd so I always feel older than normal on birthdays (i.e. how the heck am I already 22?). I was thinking of the things that happened during my 21st year, and I have to say, I’m pretty impressed with myself!

1. Senior Year of College: one of the best years of school, ever. I lived with nine of my sisters, completed my presidency of Alpha Chi Omega, held multiple internships, enjoyed Wilmington to it’s fullest, and finished my degree. Wow!
2. Graduated: see all above, plus a really spiffy, expensive piece of paper and a nice dinner with all of my favorite people.
3. Applied for a Real Job: like a three part interview for my absolute dream job…and hey! I got it!
4. Kicked Part Time Business into Full Gear: photographed my first wedding, had 20+ senior sessions, bought new awesome equipment, built my own website, and dabbled in design. Pretty big year for my creative side!
5. Learned a lot about Wedding Bells: helped coordinate one, photographed a few, networked with a lot of vendors, fell in love with the industry.
6. Decorated My Own Christmas Tree: well, technically it was Allen’s tree but still a big deal!!!
7. Moved…and then Moved Again: Wilmington to Goldsboro. Goldsboro to Indianapolis. Indianapolis to Goldsboro. Goldsboro to Hattiesburg. #kodieontheroadie This is a pretty huge one! First step in becoming an adult – be able to have a glass of wine while you attempt to cook for yourself and keep your apartment clean.
8. Traveled Alone: booked my own flight to fly home, drove through multiple states, booked and stayed in a hotel room by myself, shared many meals with empty chairs, discovering brand new cities, lots of exploring, endless people watching, loads of independence.
9. Grew Close To Several Humans: Alpha Chi suite sisters, love ya. Kappa Pi seniors (mostly UG), don’t want to ever leave ya. Alpha Chi consultant sisters, don’t know what I’d do without ya. Kappa Sigma sisters, proud of ya.
10. Bought Boyfriend a Puppy: big steps people. You’re welcome Allen.

I have to say, it was definitely a big year!! Especially for a 21 year old. However, I know that 22 will hold things I haven’t even thought of, and I can’t wait to see everything I accomplish. Maybe I’ll feel like I have my life more together and I’ll feel old and wise, or maybe I’ll remain “happy, free, confused, and lonely in the best way.” Hey, it’s miserable and magical.

To my friends, family, and sisters: Thank you for all of the birthday wishes, constant encouragement, never-ending support, and endless love! Nothing could ever happen or be as enjoyable without y’all. “Everything will be alright, if you keep me next to you.”

(Okay, thank you for sitting through all of the T.Swift lyrics. #somuchlove)