Isabel Bandoroff: Blog Post 24

Looking back on Junior year, I can't really tell if it sucked or if it was awesome... But a lot happened and there were awesome and sucky parts. School for me was not really a problem this year. I haven't struggled to maintain my grades, I would even say that at times, I coasted through the year academically. I'm not sure why this is, but it was probably due to my schedule. Being in AP Spanish cut down on my stress and studying for that class because it's just practice, there's nothing new to learn and taking Sociology was basically a study hall every day. My classes were harder but I had less work, and really only found myself freaking out on the nights before APUSH Unit Assignments were due (some of my biggest mistakes were probably leaving those for the night before). But I would say school wise, it was a success. So that leaves the social and extra-curricular aspects. My relationships and outside of school activities have been my #1 source of stress this year. On the bright side, my obstacles in these areas have taught me so much, and I feel like I have grown a lot as a person. A major thing I have learned is that I need to be responsible for my own happiness, I have to be the one to control it. For so long, my happiness has been dependent on others: friends, a boyfriend, etc. And I have gotten seriously seriously hurt by letting other people's actions define my own feelings so much. I have learned to only let my emotions be affected by what I can control and what I have power over, and to not let other people or love get me down so much. I've dealt with a lot of obstacles and heartbreak this past year, especially recently, but it has turned/is turning me into a better, and stronger person. My struggles have brought me closer to old friends and to God, which I am very grateful for. I have also learned the power of anger and the importance of forgiveness. Okay a brighter topic, summer!!! This summer is going to be awesome (I hope). I'm participating in the Lexington Sister Cities Program and will be hosting an Irish student and staying at their home in Ireland. For a while, Ireland has been the top place on my list of where I want to travel and I can't wait to explore it. Besides that, I'll be playing soccer and reading and missing CVT a lot. I want Senior year to be simple. I don't want to be drowned in stress or drama, I want to have fun and be happy. But we'll see. I plan to reach my goals by working hard and getting my college shit over with as fast as possible.