I am excited for 2017 to arrive, but really, I prefer the everyday. I don’t look at life in years, but as moments to live opportunities.

The most important lesson I learned in college was to appreciate the transcendentalism that occurs in the mundane, yet incredible occurrences in our daily lives. I learned that from the esteemed late filmmaker Stan Brakhage.

My former professor and Experimental film extraordanaire, Stan Brakhage.

I also learned that I have a limit to the amount of Parrot Bay rum I can consume and remain conscience. "What is less than a bottle, Alex."

I am an optimist.

I enjoy and crave hard work, and am not afraid to be uncomfortable and told that I am not the best, that my answer is incorrect, and that I am not the most beautiful woman in the room. I’d rather be told I am strong than beautiful any day of the week and twice on Sunday, and that I am the most inspirational player than the MVP, and that I helped someone smile over acing a test.

I prefer to be kind than cool, and helpful than perfect, but I will stand up for myself when I need to; Ronda Rousey is my spirit animal.

I am proud of myself today and plan to be tomorrow. I feel lucky to be in love, and thrilled that I have tremendous people who love me. I am excited to tell stories about all of my yesterdays and look forward to living the adventures of tomorrow.

I hope we all do.