Out with the old, in with the new!

January 1, 2012 Out with the old, in with the new!

Hello 2012!

I am quite excited to hang out with you, but I must not forget about 2011. To begin, thank you for all you’ve brought me this year, I could not have asked for more!

This past year brought me much joy and  many lessons, per usual. All in all, I would say the most important thing that happened to me this past year was growth. I spent most of my year in Missoula at school. It was a great time — I learned about a whole new part of the country and really dove into my school work. I relearned how much of a nerd I am with my love for school and color coordinated planning to every aspect of my life. I fell in love with the journalism program at Montana, mainly due to the sincere motivation my professors instilled in me. I became better at my photography and my confidence in that area has soared, though I know I still have a long way to go! I met amazingly talented and creative people who have inspired me to be the best I can.

Montana has given me so much more than a college education. I met completely new people from completely different parts of the country and world who have completely different beliefs and values as myself. A distinct memory that has stuck with me is a time I spent with a friend I met in one of my photojournalism classes. While heading to St. Ignatius, Montana with her (she is an exchange student from China) we got talking about values and how things different from China to America, especially in terms of family. She was asking me about mine and my siblings and welp, out came my question of “Do you have any siblings?”  Instant foot in the mouth feeling, but she calmly answered ‘nope’ and we continued our conversation. It taught me to be slower with my questioning when meeting new people, but at the same time don’t be afraid. She didn’t take any offense to the question and I ended up learning a lot about the Chinese culture. I also met a lot of people who face challenges many of us cannot even imagine. I was constantly reminded that you never know what is going on in someone else’s life to be kind and warm to every single person you meet.

I spent my summer helping out a family that I adore so much (if you couldn’t tell by my constant blog and photographs posted). I grew up so much this summer due to that. Having two little children be quite dependent on you just does that. I am nothing but thankful for that. The growth from this past summer helped me stay very focused this past fall, for my final semester of college, while not clouding my judgement for my future life decisions. It reminded me how hard I will have to work these next few years to someday have everything I want. It showed me patience and the importance of giving. But most importantly, it reminded me about the strength of love and family. It was tough at times for the family I worked with. But, through the struggle due to sickness and other factors, love always remained and the good times prevailed.

Now, to the big guy (yes, I mean that in more way than one). This past year, well, I feel in love. Cliche? Maybe, but the complete truth. For so long I was so completely focused on myself and my future that I think I sometimes forgot about others. I have always been a caring and giving person but being in a relationship brings that to a whole new level! No longer does your day just revolve around yourself and what you want to do. Despite the alterations I had to make, Devin has made me a better person. One of my greatest weaknesses in life is being used and not always standing up for myself. Devin has constantly reminded me of that and has made me a little less naive about the world. One of my greatest strengths sometimes can be my greatest weakness at the same time. I constantly see the best in every person I meet but sometimes that causes me to get taken advantage of. Through my relationship I learned how I should never, ever change how I see the world because that makes me who I am, but I also need to make sure I am observant of how people treat me. To be completely honest, it was sort of a sad realization that not all people have your best interest in their heart, especially since that is how I try and live every day. That is the real world. My relationship has made me more aware of the real world since I am commonly stuck in “Stine land”, which is filled with cute puppies, little kids, pretty photographs and loving people. I am so thankful for everything I have learned through my relationship because it has made me value those who sincerely treat me well and have my best interest in mind. Not only did I learn a lot but I have had a blast! Thank you, Dev!

As for my resolutions?! Well, I do want to run a marathon sometime this year. I would love a job, as would my parents, ha ha. But most importantly, I want to remain as positive and upbeat as I am and I want to brighten everyone’s day that I encounter. Wish me luck!

I am so excited to start 2012. I am getting ready to start my career (well, hopefully someone will want to hire me!) I am not exactly sure what 2012 will bring me, but cheers to it! I hope you all will have a wonderful year!!

xoxo,

Justine

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