Happy 2017, my loves! š¾Ā I really wanted to write this post as a brief wrap-up of 2016, but as I was typing out and reflecting upon my life and all the changes that came about this past year, I could not stop thinking about how much you guys have changed my life for the better. So firstly, thank you, dear readers. I am continually astonished by your kind words, your sweet comments always and the simple fact still remains that I donāt really understand why you even care at all about my weird little life. But I am incredibly grateful that youāre here, right now, reading this, and I always hope that I can bring a little joy to you the way youāve given so much to me. š
Some personal highlights of 2016:
- I turned 21 this year! CRAAAZY! Finally able to go to bars and drink willy-nilly, although I donāt drink/go out that often, itās still an amazing freedom to have. š»
- I traveled more this year than ever (and hope to continue this in the future). I went to the Dominican Republic with some amazing girls at the beginning of this year as a part of a medical mission trip. My boy and I took our first road trip together to Washington D.C.; and a second and a third to LA and Joshua Tree, all of which were wonderful. I spent a summer at home, which was the longest Iāve been home since I left for college, and it was the bestĀ being able to spend so much time with my family whom I love dearly.
- I finally addressed some anxiety issues through a few therapy sessions and a ton of self-help books, and now I feel mentally stronger than ever. Iām always hesitant to talk about anxiety and stress (and the bad aspects of life) but itās so important to emphasize that obstacles such as mental health are completely normal, and no oneās life is as perfect as an Instagram page could seem.
- I took my MCAT! I needed to put that in just because I spent most of the year studying and preparing for that exam and Iām very happyĀ that itās finally done with.
- I found a boy who Iām head-over-heels for; who constantly supports my endeavors, and pushes me every day to be my personal best while knowing my limits and respecting my boundaries. So much of my personal growth this year was because of him, I feel so lucky that heās in my life. āŗļø
- I graduate in ONE semester. I’mĀ incrediblyĀ frightened about this, but I’m very ready to hustle and find my place as a functioning adult in society.
- I started a blog!! I’ve always loved to write and create but I was always too scared to put myself out there. I’m so glad thatĀ finally found a place for me to do that in this blog and feel soĀ blessed that there’s an audience for me to talk to. Iām still working every day on bettering this platform, on trying to post more and on content you would like to read. If you have any suggestions on what you would like to see in 2017, please leave a comment below! Iām here to please. š
2016 surprised me in more ways than one, but I love looking to the new year as a celebration of the future. Whatever your goals, dreams and endeavors for this year are — put them out there and sprint toward them. I promise you won’t regret it. xo
ė°ģ¹“ė¼ģ¬ģ“ķø says
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ė°ģ¹“ė¼ģ¬ģ“ķø says
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Anonymous says
How did you two meet?
Chanel Pulido says
Hi, Waikei!
I just wanted to take a moment to say that you’re absolutely admirable and beautiful. Also, you have been such an inspiration to me considering its always been a dream of mine to go to college in NYC and have a cute apartment like yours. I also went to the same middle school and attend the same high school you went to. The other day, when I went to visit Mr. Hill at Hyde Park, he mentioned your name and I blurted out, “I follow her blog!”. Anyways, congrats on your MCAT milestone. I had a sister that took them, so I have some idea of how stressful they must’ve been. Continue being the amazing person that you are.
Love, Chanel
Waikei Tong says
Aw this is so sweet! Sorry it took so long to reply š I sincerely believe if you work hard enough, any of your dreams can come true and if you want New York then come get it!! It’s great to be young and aspiring the way you are, I really don’t think I knew what I wanted to do when I was in high school (and I still don’t now, tbh!) so it’s amazing that you’re dreaming hard!! And CRAZY Mr. Hill remembers me!! I wonder what he said š¤ But thanks for all the continuous support! I see a lot of your comments on my Insta-posts too! SO MUCH LOVE xo
Eddy says
Happy New Years!! And congrats on almost finishing your college studies and taking your MCATs. I’m one of your instagram and snapchat followers and made comments every now and then. I found your blog through a mutual friend in a college that I’m attending in Queens. And I love how your stories and pictures inspire me and others to never give up on the dream and determination no matter what the obstacles are. In addition, I’m gonna take the MCATs eventually, but not for a couple years give or take. Needless to say, I wanted to transfer to NYU and finish my undergrad there, but after my trip to California earlier this year, those plans changed. NY is great (since I lived here my entire life), but I believe my future is elsewhere and reading your blog has made me think about a lot of things, like what the future holds for me. And you’re right about entering the adult society. Most of us here have to juggle with that and attending classes, and that is never easy. I just have to go day by day and eventually it will pay off. And finally, I know it’s early to ask, but what is your advice on the college life and taking the MCATs? Have a safe new years and all of the years to come. Hope you succeed in your career and continue to inspire others. From, Eddy
Waikei Tong says
I love that you’re working toward your goals every day! Thank you so much for reading my blog, and you’re totally right, the future is so ever-changing and it’s more than okay to change paths based on where you are right now in life. Just never lose sight of your long-term plan, whether that be medical school or just being a better and functioning person. I’d love to write a little blog post on college life and mcats! Thanks so much for taking the time out of your day to read my blog! Hope 2017 is everything and more for you! x š
Thivy Michelle says
Happy New Year’s Waikei and Congratulations on all your success in 2016!
Waikei Tong says
Happy new year girl! Hope 2017 is everything you’ve dreamed of and more! š
Joey says
Hi, Waikei! Happy new years! I’ve been a follower of your Instagram page and reader of your blog for a while now, and I must say that your consistent optimism and blog post inspire me a ton! As an audience, it would be great to know you better if there were future Q&A posts on your blog. š Tbh, I just really admire your college life in NY haha. I know an Instagram page or a blog doesn’t show someone’s life as a whole, but it’s my dream to attend university in NY and have my own apartment. So being able to follow along with you and your NY life is really motivating for me to hustle and work hard. Oh, and you should post more about fashion and beauty, I’m in love with your style and you’re so pretty! Last but not least, can you give me some high school advice? As far as how to start working towards to getting accepting into your dream college in hs years and maybe just general high school advice for a Sophomore? I found out you went to the same HS as the one I attend right now through your IG haha. I hope you have a splendid start to your new year and continue to inspire your audience with your posts! : ) Much Love, Joey.
Waikei Tong says
Hi Joey! I’d love to write a Q&A and I actually already have a FAQ in the works. Thanks for your support! That’s awesome that we attended the same high school!! As for sophomore year, just keep your dream college in mind and work hard for SATs. I know that high school does get overwhelming but it’s important to take it one step at a time. I’ll definitely keep those ideas for blog posts in mind for the upcoming weeks. xx š
makylad14 says
Happy New Years!! Love your blog!! You should follow me! On Thelifeoftheobsessivefashionista.WordPress.com
Waikei Tong says
Happy new years! xx š
makylad14 says
Aw thanks you too