2014 was the year of changes. I started the year living in NYC with a great job surrounded by loved ones. Half way through the year I packed up my bags, quit my job and decided to move across the country to California. This was by far the scariest thing I had ever done in my entire life, but deep down I knew this was something that I had always wanted to do…and something I needed to do. I started a new job, met new friends and got a new apartment. It’s crazy to look back on the past year and see how drastically things have changed. I’ve learned to really treasure the people in my life because when you up and decide to move across the country, those who still keep in contact are the ones who will be there no matter what. I’m so grateful for not only all the old friends, but also the new ones I have made (and some friendships that have been rekindled after years of silence). As challenging at times as this year was, it really helped me to learn to be brave and take risks. If you’re unhappy with something in your life, the only person that can do something about it is you. I’m so happy with where I am with my life, and I have all my wonderful friends and family to thank. As this year comes to an end and we approach another new year, I’m excited to see what new changes and challenges come my way. Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year! xx, E.

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I can’t believe 2014 is over! So much has happened in the past year- my year of service with AmeriCorps came to an end, I adopted a puppy, switched  life paths and enrolled at FIDM, worked on my first movie set, and made some new friendships to last a lifetime. This year has definitely been about self-discovery. As much as I may have complained about AmeriCorps, it taught me so much about myself and about hard work. I’ve always been the type of person to get by with minimum effort, but I learned fairly quickly that that wasn’t going to cut it with my classroom of wild 6th graders. Hard work and pushing boundaries soon became habit, and it has paid off immensely at FIDM, and just life in general. I’ve interned with more people than I can count on one hand, and have had so many amazing experiences and learned so much through them. Another important lesson I’ve discovered this year is about friendship. Since moving to California, I’ve met some awesome ladies who are some of the most hard-working and supportive people I know. It’s an incredible feeling being surrounded by people who do nothing but build you up, inspire you, and truly want to see you succeed. A valuable takeaway from this is to reevaluate your life. Check yourself and your relationships – are you living to your full potential? Are the people in your life helping you achieve your goals? If not, 2015 is a new year! I plan on pushing myself harder than ever and seizing every new opportunity that comes my way. Happy New Year! -v