2012 in review. – HESONWHEELS.COM

Facebook recently provided a link at the top of my newsfeed on my profile, asking me if I would like to see my 2012 in review. Of course I did! So I looked back at some of the larger moments from the past 364 days, as we ring in 2013 tonight. Anyone who knows me know that I also keep an embarrassingly detailed calendar, so I referred to that to look back at some of the big events through this year also.

I really think 2012 began with me kind of opening a new chapter of my life, officially. Kristin and I decided that we would take a trip to Boston as each other’s Christmas gift to each other. Fantastic trip. From the free dinner cruise, to just exploring (and us both falling in love with) a brand new city, that was a ton of fun.
Well to begin 2012 officially I was in New Orleans with my parents and my girlfriend, enjoying Bourbon Street and the Sugar Bowl. Kristin didn’t come down until the morning of Jan. 1, I think, but it was still great to ring in 2013 with three of the most important people in my life.
That next weekend I spent at the Hughes Family Christmas Party in Virginia Beach. Nuff said.
In January I took my GRE and began a new slate of classes, mostly management and leadership courses, as I prepared to enter graduate school. Continued working at Admissions and Event Planning.
Went to Hokie Day for the first time in Richmond! Lobbying to legislators took on a new perspective for me and cemented my interest in higher education.
In February, local news channel 10 did a story on y campus tours (you can see that in the left sidebar) that gained a lot of popularity as I finished up being president of Hokie Ambassadors.
Interviewed for graduate school and got in after navigating a big, BIG challenge there.
So many parties and friends turning 21 – from Shandyfest, to date functions, and even exploring downtown a little myself. Lots of fun and bonding involved as everyone prepared to graduate.
Began the process of getting a new TiLite wheelchair with many appointments for measurements, evaluations, etc.
Presented my undergraduate research at many new events and networked across the state, such as the AHEAD in Virginia spring conference. Also helped proctor many events on campus since I had a ton of free time – like the SGA VT Voice Conference and the RLC’s annual Stepping into Leadership event.
Saw my time as HA president come to a close after a very challenging but rewarding never Obviously graduation was probably the biggest and best memory from the entire year. All my life, 2012 would be the year I graduated from college and the rest of my life began. Now I can see where that is taking me.
Continued to spread the spirit of Actively Caring through stories like this one:

If you did not already know, I have a personal rule of meeting one new person every day and helping one person every day. Today, I went to the grocery store, and the cashier and her bagger were extremely helpful by unloading my cart onto the belt and even helped me take my groceries out to my car despite the fact that it was raining. After giving them green bracelets, I decided to call the store and tell their manager how helpful they were. She then proceeded to tell me that she was going to comp my entire bill of groceries today…which was $150. A little bit of random kindness and caring for others goes a long way, people.

Spent my first summer in five years NOT working for the federal government but instead took on a job as a summer graduate assistant with the McNair Scholars Program.
Spent the summer navigating the many challenges that came with falling in love with your best friend. One sentence doesn’t do this entire year’s worth (and then some) of challenges justice, but that really is as succinct as I can put it.
Also spent the summer delivering information sessions for Undergraduate Admissions and giving tours – lots of work time but probably one of the favorite jobs I’ve ever had.
Took a week that summer to visit Virginia Beach with Kristin and Charlotte and got the chance to meet up with numerous friends – went on some great dates and went to my first comedy club show. Also went on a boat into the ocean for the first time at Harborfest.
Kristin and I brushed up on our culinary skills weekly, watching a lot of Food Network and trying upwards of 20 different recipes, I’d say, over the course of the summer.
Took a trip to Atlanta for a conference with my scholars – great bonding experience with all of them.
Learned that I would be confirmed to speak at TedxVirginiaTech after completing my application during that earlier Virginia Beach trip!
Spent my fourth summer as a camp counselor for STEMAbility.
Went to many “Up on the Roof” Blacksburg events and spent the summer transitioning from being a VT undergraduate student to a graduate student and professional.
Began to help Kristin look for jobs as it became more appropriate for her to leave Blacksburg and start the next step of her life.
Travelled to Charlotte, Greensboro, and across North Carolina to visit old friends and for business.
Began Graduate School and navigating the challenge that was “Do I have a social life?” or “Do I get a 4.0?” Glad to say that my social life won out, I still worked and put in the time I needed for graduate school, and I still did fantastically academically.
Turned 22!
Attended the Democratic National Convention after receiving a special offer from the First Lady of the United States.
Traveled the east coast to go to as many VT Football games as humanly possible.
Honestly? Other than graduate school and continuing the job that I had in the summer, not a whole lot happened in the fall. Kristin and I spent a lot of time traveling to see each other after she secured a great internship in the D.C. area.
Had the chance to give keynote addresses half a dozen time throughout the semester at various conferences, like the Campus Ambassador Conference.
Spent pre-Thanksgiving on another trip to Boston with Kristin, re-cementing our love for that city, catching some Hokie football, and getting the wheels turning about relocating there someday…
Took up some substitute teaching gigs in Stafford County Public Schools to try and give back to the community.
Hiked the Cascades thru Operation Ultimate Hokie!
Experienced the toughest month of my life through Kristin’s accident and resulting rehab/therapy. I’m grateful and aware though that no challenge through this situation has been bigger than the one that she has conquered and is continuing to conquer. Although not always the best or planned out situation is what we get dealt, every time we come out on the other side strong. Still blows my mind.
Enjoyed a beautiful Christmas holiday volunteering and spent the following weekend traveling Virginia for a very memorable weekend. :)
Went to my first Redskins game with Julianne!
Wrote this blog post, was too lazy to go back and insert pictures, and hope that this list will do my justice when I look back at it years down the road.

And that, my friends, is my “2012 in review.” Not all encompassing by any means but still a brief overview of what the year “2012” has meant to be now and probably will for a long while. I encourage you to think about your own year in review. Soon, I’ll write a post that instead of looks backwards will look forward – what are YOUR goals for 2013?