Perfect elbows May 2025

Before last year, I got endless compliments about how straight my elbows were. It seemed like it was all people talked about. Alas, in May, one faulty step on an ice skating rink rendered my right elbow changed forever. 2025 involved months of physical therapy to the point where my therapist admitted my elbow would probably “never go back to normal.” So no, my elbows no longer have a chance of making it on the cover of Vogue, and my existence is now full of extensive elbow stretching. Goodbye straight elbows and goodbye ice skating!

Being a passenger princess August 2025

After being driven around nearly everywhere for my entire life, I finally put on my big girl pants and began driving myself to school. Over time, I’ve gotten way more comfortable on the road and feel an overwhelming sense of independence. I can finally drive myself to meet with friends or make a run to Target to purchase more melting chocolate for my truffles. Goodbye waiting for my mom to pick me up and not being able to make plans on a whim!

My childhood October 2025

Last year, I turned 18, officially beginning my journey as an adult. While very few concrete things changed, I feel like I have crossed a bittersweet threshold. I can no longer refer to myself as a kid, and find myself referencing my childhood in the past tense. It makes me wonder if I should have enjoyed it more. It’s easier to make excuses when you’re “just a kid” or justify mistakes when you feel like you’re “still learning.” Overall, I’m excited to see what my future holds, and feel grateful for the amazing childhood I did have. Plus, being an adult had been pretty fun so far! Goodbye not being able to vote!

My college uncertainty December 2025

Last year, I received an acceptance letter from Georgia Tech, ending my years-long college uncertainty and anxiety. It was so relieving to finally have a solid plan secure and possible. Last year, I said goodbye to the Common App tab being always open on my computer and worrying that my essays weren’t good enough. Goodbye constant stress and overbearing deadlines!

My cat December 2025

After nine amazing years spent with my family, my cat Timothy died of lung cancer three days after Christmas. He was one of my best friends, always studying with me and sleeping on my feet at night. I still see him everywhere throughout my house, in his favorite napping locations and in the paw imprint we had made. It’s never easy to lose a pet; they are companions who provide stability despite our constantly changing lives. Timmy loved us unconditionally, running to the door when we came home, and delighting in hanging out at his spot on the kitchen table as we ate dinner. He made us laugh when he would hiss at his cat tower or lose a fight to Pinkalicious. I’ll always remember Timmy as a selfless animal who gave himself to keep our family happy; he made an effort to be a companion to every member of my family, even in his final moments. In the month before we said goodbye, he slept on every member of the family’s bed throughout the night. As we sat in the veterinarian’s room, he walked over to each of us, rubbed against us, and laid in our laps. Saying goodbye was difficult, but it was a merciful decision. That day, I also said goodbye to watching him suffer. I will be forever grateful for the nine years that we did have with him and for being able to say goodbye in the way that we did. Goodbye sweet Timothy.

Gallery • 7 Photos

Timmy playing around as a kitten. Photo by Finley Malone.

Overall, 2025 was a trying year. Somehow, I started to feel so much older, with more independence and responsibility. 2026 is sure to be even more of an adventure, with moving out of my house on the horizon. I’m excited to begin such a new and different chapter in my life, and cannot wait to see the new ways I will continue to grow in the new year. Goodbye 2025!