Last week was my eighteenth birthday, and to be completely honest, it was probably the best birthday of my life. I was surrounded by so many amazing and loving friends, and I had the absolute best time. I did vlog most of my birthday weekend, but I also did have to write a blog post because my birthday was truly that great.
First, a little recap of the weekend. On Friday, I started the day with my typical college schedule: Computer Graphics and Intro to Communications. I absolutely love my major, so having a day dedicated to just that as a freshman is honestly a dream. Right after class was over, I headed home to finish packing up and get on the road to Hershey. We made it into town around 5pm and checked into our hotel for the night. I was going to be spending my weekend with one of my best friends, Jamie, so as I was waiting for her to arrive, I started to work on the little bit of homework I had left. Once she got there, we immediately started catching up and having fun. We went to the Hershey Pantry for dinner that evening, and went back to the hotel to relax. We ended up doing face masks, watching videos, and FaceTiming one of my college friends.
On Saturday, we got up and headed down for breakfast at our hotel. We then headed over to the Hotel Hershey, where we would be staying the next night. After checking in and putting our stuff in one of the room, which was happily already available for us. We went down the street to Hershey Gardens for a photoshoot, where we got a bunch of great pictures. We decided on Red Robin for lunch, and then spent some time at the Hershey outlets (spoiler: we found some great deals, especially at American Eagle and Disney). After that, we went back to the hotel and hung out for a little bit. We couldn’t decided what we wanted for dinner, but knew we would want snacks and shakes at Chocolate World, so we ended up going to Wendy’s. After Wendy’s, we drove to Chocolate World. Jamie convinced our moms to do the Build Your Own Chocolate Bar experience (which was pretty cool), and then we finally got our chocolate shakes.
Sunday was our last day together. For breakfast, we went to one of the small shops in the lobby of the hotel, and got to look around the Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, Shine, at the After Party sale selections. Soon, we got to head back upstairs, as it was time for our spa treatments! The Spa at the Hotel Hershey was absolutely incredible. Our treatments were amazing, and the spa itself was beautiful (and had a lot of chocolate around). When we were done at the spa, it was time for lunch, and we all decided on Trevi 5 in the hotel. After lunch, we wandered around the hotel for a little bit, and then it was unfortunately time to head home.
Monday was my actual birthday. It started off with my regular schedule- an English class and Intro to Marketing. Following my classes, I met up with two of my closest friends, Sylvia and Hayden, for lunch in the main dining hall. After lunch, we went back to Sylvia’s dorm and just hung out for a couple hours. We got to talk, watch some Netflix, and hang out. Both of them play guitar, and before I left for dinner with my family at the Cheesecake Factory, they both sang happy birthday to me, which was honestly one of the most special moments of the day. It may not have been the most elaborate day ever, but it made me so happy, and spending quality time with good friends is always so valuable to me.
My birthday was so special this year thanks to the amazing people in my life, and the fun adventure I was lucky to have. At the end of the day, I knew everything I had wanted for myself was coming true, and I was on the way to greater things. I needed to express my feelings, so I ended up writing this:
Everyday magic exists. I don’t just believe in it, I’ve seen it. This weekend was proof of it. It’s not the once in a lifetime miracle or opportunity. It’s also not rare. It’s the little moments that happen everyday that make you smile, that make you laugh, and make you feel so much joy. Last year this time, I thought I had no magic. I was in so much pain and I had felt so hurt. I spent the entire day crying, feeling isolated, alone, and not valuable. I felt like I wasn’t enough. I am more than enough. The weeks of darkness that persisted in my mind ended up being a different kind of magic. A kind that ended up making all the light I’ve felt lately even brighter. A kind that reminded me everything happens for a reason, but you just have to wait and see. These revelations don’t come alone. They come in the spirits and hearts of the people you value most. The people who will support you no matter what, and do anything for you. I have found these people. Never in my life have I felt so loved by so many people all at once, who all appreciate me for my true, unedited self, scars and all. I spent my weekend surrounded by the people whose smiles make you ten times happier, and jokes make you laugh ten times harder. These people I have given my full love in return. I am beyond grateful for all that has happened to me. It’s not always easy or fun, but it’s always worth it. As you get older, time gets more valuable. It’s the people you spend it with and memories you make that prove you’ve used your time well. This past weekend, I’ve been happier than I’ve been in a long time. For the first time in forever, the tears rolling down have been of happiness. It’s been change. It’s progress. It’s strength. It’s bliss. It’s pure happiness. It’s everyday magic in its purest form.
Keep on dreaming and believing,
