New year, new changes

I took my time writing this post because I wanted to think through its content thoroughly. I apologize for not posting sooner since I received the necklace, but I had a serious case of sickness and then an out of the blue allergy issue that has really slowed me down. But here goes.
This time last year, I was working on my application for the Archer Center. I had no idea whether or not I would be accepted, could afford it, or should leave my life behind for 10 weeks. It was a big decision, and I had a husband to consult, bills to consider, and other summer opportunities to weigh. 
But look at what a year can bring. I now know a new city (as do you, my sisters). I have new life-long friends with whom I am so grateful to have shared experiences. I have a complete experience that this time last year I was unsure I would even really be a contender for.
 So what will this year bring? I believe for all of us it means completing our graduate degrees and beginning our new careers (or furthering our careers). It means new faces, new experiences, and new frontiers.
 It also means leaving some things behind. Academia can be a comfortable place to settle sometimes, even when it feels like a prison built out of homework. Settling into a new community to make a home can be exciting as well and absolutely terrifying. And who knows what people we will lose touch with over time.
 Seeing the changes this last year has made in my life and in the people I know and call friends, I look forward to the new year and seeing what comes of it. In the scale of this year, I definitely think the good of meeting you wonderful ladies (and the other Archers and colleagues) and the myriad of new experiences (summer in D.C. and beyond) outweigh the challenges and less than ideal moments.
 So here is to our new year. I know I am a couple of days late, but it is sincere. I hope we can have a reunion soon and wish you all the luck and wonder that the year can have