A Thought and a Half: 2013 Highlights

Well, 2013, it's been a heck of a year. I rocked out at concerts, traveled, made some great friends, and developed my passion for writing. Let's take a look back at the people, places, and events that made the year memorable.

NB: This post is picture-heavy.

After waiting nearly seven years, I finally got to see my favorite band Yellowcard in concert last January. Cue fangirling.

Also last January, I started writing for Pretty Southern, a blog all about life below the Mason-Dixon Line. I've written about football, barbecue, London, and life at Virginia Tech. It's been a wonderful experience and I love writing for PS. Check out my favorite piece, Love VT!

We welcomed Bows, a beautiful Russian Blue, into our family. She is so loving and cuddly, and a wonderful furry companion.

I visited Atlanta over my spring break and caught up with some dear friends.

Me and Brian

Me and Jeremy

I witnessed Erick Green, the nation's leading scorer, tear it up in Cassell Coliseum.

Erick Green on Senior Night, March 2013

I attended VT's Ring Dance, as per tradition. It was a great weekend that I will definitely remember for years to come.

Me and Carl

Me and Jordan

I worked as editor-in-chief of a campus publication: Philologia, the undergraduate research journal of VT's College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences. I learned so much in my year as the EIC, and I will surely value that experience going forward.

L to R: Andrea, me, Michelle (layout editor, EIC, managing editor)

London. Obviously.

In July, I spent a weekend in DC with my best friend Jordan. We attended a tennis player's party, where we met Melanie Oudin and THE Juan Martin Del Potro! And then we rocked out with Plain White T's and The Wind + The Wave at the 9:30 Club.

Georgia girls!

We got a lovely late-summer visit from our Florida friends. We only get to see one another once every few years, so this was a great treat. Wish it could have been longer!

Best friends, est. 2001!

I started off my senior year with a lovely hike at McAfee Knob with a dear friend, Molly.

What a view!

My Saturdays were completely devoted to Hokie Football, as usual. I even experienced a game in enemy territory with Jordan and her family.

I participated in my first color run with my friend Robert, and am already looking into a second one.

I applied to grad school. #Pray4Kate

After submitting to places several times last year, I got my first publication on VT's online Literature Review. I hope it's the first of many.

I've discovered writers I love, past and present. I can only hope to be as successful and inspiring to others as they are/were to me.

I've got the best friends and family I could ever ask for.