That Quarter of a Century Life Thoughts
Yesterday was my 25th birthday - yup, that quarter of a century life!
I'm usually pretty low-key when it comes to my birthday, but I celebrated with some friends Friday night and then with my family yesterday. The weekend before, my friend and I traveled and celebrated in New York, where we ate our way through the city (and a few drinks). Everything tasted absolutely delicious! I enjoyed my birthday celebration(s).
Now, it’s time for some reflections…
When I was a child, I remember imagining what my life might look like at the age of 25. I pictured myself being married by 26 (HA. No one tells a child life isn't linear), but needless to say, my current life at age 25 is very different from the one I imagined, AND I am happy with my current life the way it is and find it interesting how priorities change over time. Do I wish I was already in graduate school by now? Of course, but as things have been unfolding, I find that I feel more prepared and excited NOW vs 1-2 years ago.
Turning a quarter of a century old, is a pretty big milestone and it’s one that I struggle with slightly. I feel so grateful and blessed for my life - my amazing family, my friends, and for the opportunities that I have had to travel, explore, and experience some beautiful places, while making some wonderful memories. However, there are times where I feel like there are so many things that I want to do with my life – experiences to be had, things to write about, memories to be made, and places to travel to – that I feel overwhelmed at times, and feel that I won’t have enough time in my life to achieve everything that I desire to do. I fear not accomplishing my goals by the deadlines that I have set for myself (such as finishing grad school by 25), and one of my biggest fears in life is having regrets about the things I didn’t do, when I am older. So those are my inner challenges that I have been reflecting on lately with the realities of turning 25 years old. If you have any tips or advice for me, it would be appreciated!
Let’s move on to the good stuff!
My 24th year was one of the more memorable years I have experienced so far, and I had some amazing unique adventures along the way. Here are some of my highlights from the year:
I had one of my better Olympic Weightlifting meets where I placed 3rd, despite dealing with a hip injury. It further taught me how to figure out how to integrate and program specific things I needed to work on to make myself even better.
I got to travel to the Caribbean for the third time: I witnessed my dad drive a stick shift (Dune Buggy) which was SO entertaining; my sister and I zip-lined across the longest line over an ocean in Haiti, in addition to jet skiing for the first time (42mph was anxiety-provoking); we also climbed a waterfall in Jamaica!
I had back-to-back weekend grad school interviews in NYC (had to be two separate trips $$), but had to change a NYC to SF flight, to NYC to LA for another grad school related event. The year before (at 23 years old), I had to change a flight last minute from NYC to SF, to NYC to BOS to SF. All the flying and last minute changes triggered my experience back as a 22 year-old, having my PAC-12 Conference Championships for Track & Field the same day as my College Graduation. LIKE WHAT? Rushing to finish my competition in LA then trying to make it to the airport to fly to OAK and landing 30 minutes before graduation was honestly one of the best days of my life. Was I having anxiety and panic attacks? Yes, but it really highlighted my career as a student-athlete. I even had to wear my uniform under my gown with my Nikes because I had ZERO time to change and do my face and hair. But like I said, that basically represented my college experience.
I had a few interviews followed by my FIRST ACCEPTANCE (since applying for 2 years). BY THE #1 RANKED PROGRAM. This was the happiest day of my life as a 24 year old. Finally getting accepted into a DPT Program. All my hard work was paying off and I couldn't even express how I felt in that moment. I received a couple more acceptances from other programs throughout the following weeks and months, but had already decided where I wanted to attend.
I experienced my first White Winter (since a very long time). Normally, we stay local or go somewhere warm(er) for the Holidays, but this time we explored Canada and ate our way through the amazing Asian-dominant cuisine. My sister and I engaged in a snowball fight (first time since Tahoe as children), and I forgot how fun they can be (but also how aggressive and competitive I can get). We walked across a suspension bridge (entertaining for me as my parents and sister were frightened) as well as just bonded more as a family.
These are just some of the few highlights of the past year and I can't wait to see what 25 has in store for me. Some highlights to come: AUS for the first time and DPT school in August!!
Happy Thoughts!
-C