I am very excited to celebrate my 27th anniversary this Saturday. However, I want to share a moment with you as I reflect on the things that have happened to me over the past year.

This has been a major year of change and growth for me, and though it hurt at the time, I am so incredibly appreciative of everything that has happened. I have used these life lessons to become a much better and stronger person.

In August, I moved away from my home, my family and my friends. With my job, I am able to return to visit Winnipeg often. However, with each passing day, Calgary feels more like home as I create new friendships in this wonderful new city.

I also have had the opportunity to return to the aviation industry as a flight dispatcher. I have had the chance to follow many different career paths during my short existence, but the fast pace and different challenges presented by my current position will provide me with a multitude of opportunities to learn more about this industry. I am working for a great company that encourages growth and supports their people. I look forward to employing my skills and abilities with this company for many years to come.

The most important lesson that I have learned this year is the importance of friendship. I am blessed with such wonderful people in my life, some who are still a part of it, as well as the lessons taught by the friendships I have lost. I am eternally grateful for the ways that people have impacted my life and helped to support and inspire me to become the person that I am today.

The upcoming year is filled with opportunity. I am still in the process of discovering who I am, who I want to be, and how I am going to get there. This journey will have many highs and many lows, but nothing that I can’t overcome. I am excited to share this journey with you all.

I look forward to this being the first of many celebrations, holidays, activities, and events that we get to experience together.