Written by Camryn Carmichael. Graphic by Camryn Carmichael.
Being task-oriented is a blessing and curse. When I first got the idea to make this list, I wanted it to be a fun way to celebrate my next birthday. But as time passed, it quickly devolved from a stroll down memory lane to sprinting toward the finish line. Somehow, what was supposed to be a fun way of commemorating the past year became heaving toward a finish line.
Was everything I accomplished all that I hoped it’d be? Not even close. This list has taken numerous different shapes and underwent even more revisions over the last several months, with some items that will never see the light of day and others that I wish would. As the saying goes, “Man plans, God laughs.”
In this 365 day period of trial, error, blood, sweat, and tears, I learned there’s no point in comparing someone’s chapter 10 to my chapter one. My life, my story, and my journey are simply that–mine. Heck, even this article is coming out over a month later than I planned. But I hope in reading my journey, you learn there is really no such thing as perfect timing during your own.
Now without further ado, here is the list of 23 totally timely “tasks” I ticked off in the last 12 months.
1. Went on a Local Matcha Tour
This was most definitely easier said than done. But after running across town from cafe to cafe, my appreciation for the drink and the gratitude I have for the ancient culture behind it only deepened.
2. Got My Passport
If I had to run the stats on my middle school Youtube history, travel channels like Damon&Jo and Kennie JD would be neck and neck with LaurDIY and MyLifeAsEva.
3. Got My Learner’s Permit
This was a huge step in my journey towards getting over my fear of driving! I can’t wait to see where the roads take me!
4. Solo Roadtrip to my Hometown
If you ask me, traveling regionally by bus is a stamp on your traveler card. Being from a big city, public transportation will always have a place in my heart. The Charlotte Bus Station however…well, she has a great personality!
5. Saw TWICE Live in Concert
TWICE is one of my favorite girl groups of all time. While their discography took a few years to grow on me, the title track of their latest tour, “THIS IS FOR” went double platinum in my headphones immediately after its release.
6. Got an Internship
While there’s only so much I can say about the project, I’d be remiss not to mention that collaborating with such a varied group of talented people was an experience that taught me more than I’d ever have guessed. In the end, all the long hours and late nights spent with my team were well worth it.
7. Became a SCADhome Mentor
While this role has challenged me more than anything ever has, I’d say it’s the most directly responsible for my growth as a leader, mentor, and most importantly, as a teammate. It really does take a village.
8. Tried Hotpot for the First Time
Oh, hotpot. What started as a birthday dinner invite soon morphed into one of the most nerve-wracking, yet delicious, experiences I’ve ever had in my life. But once I got the hang of it, my eyes quick to grow bigger than my stomach.
9. Attended a Double Feature
Living close to our local movie theater back home certainly had its perks. Still riding the high of participating in my first Film Fest, I hungered for new ways to experience film. Attending the “Wicked” & “Wicked: For Good” limited double feature was a no brainer.
10. Attended My First SAV Film Festival
Oops. I gave a bit of a spoiler. If anyone asks, the things I remember most are seeing the one and only Kristen Stewart in the flesh for her directing debut, running across town from pop-up to workshop, and meeting some of my favorite people while waiting in line for hours ahead of screenings.
11. Tried the Chili’s Triple Dipper
During the 2008 housing crisis, some of us were screaming, “Look at me, look at me!” while proceeding to do the lamest lowest jump-spin ever as our parents hung on by a thread. In my case, however, I wanted to taste the most coveted and commercialized menu item on the Chili’s: The Triple Dipper. Last spring, little me got her wish.
12. Went to Waffle House For the First Time
I’m still not a fan of breakfast food, but their Cheesesteak Melt Hashbrown Bowl will always hold a place in my heart. Six billion out of 10. No notes.
13. Started Reading a Manga Series
Watching the Netflix adaptation of “Alice in Borderland,” was one of the few times I’ve broken my own cardinal rule: always read the books before you watch the show. To answer your question, they’re both great but the manga is on another level in terms of detail. There are some slow moments, but given how extreme the plot line is, I welcome the time relished on subplots.
14. Made My Fourth Crochet Sweater
As one of the slowest crocheters of all time, this is quite the accomplishment. Ask anyone I’ve offered to make a sweater for; the average wait time is between four to six months.
15. Started Watching Sumo Again
Sumo is one of the first true “hobbies” I ever had. Since transferring to college, I’ve seldom had the time to keep up with the bi-monthly tournaments. This past birthday was the first time I got to watch the opening day live in over a year. “はっけよい!”
16. Wrote a Novella
If you want to be a writer, WRIT-365, “Voice and Revision,” will make you prove it. 2,000 words a week on top of reading the installments of my 20 other classmates was a feat I couldn’t fathom at first. On the flip side, I wear my survival with honor.
Graphic sourced from SCAD Writers Club Instagram page (@scadwc). Graphic by Kelsey Vickers.
17. Joined Writers Club
Started by a good friend of mine, Writers Club was another way for me to meet other writing majors I’d never had class with before. Ultimately, building a sense of community among others who enjoyed expression through written word. Since then, I’ve become club secretary, but I promise I’m not biased when I say it’s the best place to be on a Friday afternoon.
Graphic sourced from SCAD District Instagram page (@scaddistrict). Graphic by [TK]
18. Joined District as a Copy Editor
After contributing articles for over a year, I decided to take the leap and apply to join the copy editing team. Not only has becoming a member of the SCAD District family given me invaluable journalistic and publishing experience, I’ve also made connections that will last a lifetime.
19. Learned to Make Bagels (Like…a LOT of Bagels)
What started as a fun Father’s day gift clearly became a more elaborate operation. I’ll let these pictures speak for themselves. Let’s just say I have a renewed understanding for why parents have so many photos of their children. They grow up so fast.
20. Started Living Alone
I can easily say having my own place senior year has been nothing short of a dream come true. The grass is greener, the birds are singing louder, and my social battery is slowly increasing in capacity. Guaranteed alone time does a happy introvert make!
21. Hosted a Movie Night
My favorite people, my favorite movie, and my favorite snacks? Truly the gift that keeps on giving, and a celebration to remember.
22. Started Using Google Calendar
Deserving of her own slide because she really is that girl. Strike me down for lying: I would not be the person I am today without a visual representation of everything I need to accomplish. Shout out to my sister for designing a custom color palette!
23. Finally Diagnosed with Endometriosis
This may not sound like good news, but this is another astronomical win for anyone who knows me personally, especially this past year. Long gone are the days of sickness, agony, and blowing through all my absences. We are our own best advocates, so book that doctor’s appointment.
If you or someone you love are looking for a place to start, the Endometriosis Foundation of America is a great place to start. Follow them on Instagram to learn more about their “Endometriosis Advocacy ToolKit.” You’ll be glad you did. #yourenotbeingdramatic
Camryn is a junior writing major who loves writing stories that foster and inspire meaningful connections among SCAD students and the greater Savannah community. She an avid fan of sumo wrestling, a lover of anything made in the color chartreuse, and in her humble opinion, the sole authority on where to find the best matcha in the city.
