Victoria+W

Freshman year seems like it was so long ago that it's hard to remember all of the details. I joined marching band pit because everyone in my band class in eighth grade suggested it. Although I met a lot of people there I was the rainy cloud over marching band. My friend Lauren and I went on crazy freshmen adventures in her apartment complex which included sneaking out of her one story window at night and going swimming in our clothes. I should also just mention that throughout high school I have had my share of crazy hair styles.

The summer before Sophomore year I visited England and Norway with my family. We had the opportunity to kayak and hike up a glacier which was absolutely amazing. I started to enjoy my classes more than freshman year and became very competitive with my piano. I received Honorable Mention for the first time in a piano competition and I also got my license. That summer I went and lived in Japan for six weeks on a foreign exchange scholarship. It was an experience that changed my life. Okinawa was very beautiful but it was also very hot and nothing was air conditioned. So hot that I got so sunburned my whole face swelled up. It made me appreciate my house in the US. Other than the insane heat it was a lot of fun. I met a lot of people in Japan and from around the states who were also involved in the program.

Junior year was the hardest year of my life. I started to suffer from extreme migraines everyday, all day. I probably wasn't a very pleasant person to be around. On top of the migraines I had AP classes for the first time. Due to constant doctor appointments I missed around 40 days of school and my grades dropped significantly. We also were hosting a student from Poland named Ewa and we didn't get along too well when she first came. Finally during the spring I had a surgery that significantly reduced my migraines (of course the first thing my dad did was take a picture).Also, Ewa and I started to get along. The last few months of Junior year were enjoyable compared to the rest of it. We visited New York City and Washington DC before Ewa had to go back to Poland. Despite the hardships I still had some fun times during Junior year.

Senior year has probably been the most enjoyable out of my high school career. I have had more time to hang with my friends and just have fun. I rescued a pet rat from my neighbors and he has been the most entertaining pet ever. My parents got me my own car thanks to cash for clunkers and since my eighteenth birthday I have gotten my nose pierced and my first professional tattoo (to my parent's dismay). I am working as a private piano teacher which is the most amazing job ever. It's easy, enjoyable, and I get paid a lot. The kids are so much fun to teach. During spring break my host sister from Japan came to visit me. We went to a 'fake' Queen concert and went skeet shooting with my family and my friend Richa.

All through my high school years my family, friends, and my pets have been really important to me. My family can get pretty crazy sometimes. So can my pets. I thought I'd include some of their ridiculous photos for your viewing pleasure. They always keep me entertained. []