2019 has been a monumental year for me because I finally obtained my bachelor’s degree, 10 years after I started. I dropped out of school after struggles with mental illness, and struggled to find the funds and time to return when I was healthier. I would take a class here and there as I could afford it. I spent many long nights hunched over my laptop to complete my schoolwork after a long day of work, and I squeezed in schoolwork on vacations, in airports, and on lunchbreaks. I found a discipline and drive in myself that I didn’t know I was capable of. Many people in my life told me I’d never finish, and I honestly had my own doubts at times. I’m so proud to have finished. Most of the things I’ve done in my life have been for other people, but this was something that I felt compelled to do for myself. I hope that my degree can open up a new career path for me in 2020, but even if it doesn’t, I will walk into 2020 with my head held high for accomplishing something just for me.