I believe in traveling and exploring, making memories, and living life. When I was a little girl, my family owned a beautiful, old home in the mountains of Vermont where countless weekends were spent. I was fortunate enough to have such a wonderful home away from home, where I could create traditions with my family. Although the house is no longer a part of my life, the moments spent there will stay with me forever and play a part in shaping who I am today.

I remember the distinct, yet indescribable smell that hit me smack across the face and ran through my body with familiarity upon entering the house. I remember catching salamanders in the pond with old, rusty nets and feeling the amphibians’ slippery bodies before releasing them back into their natural habitat. I remember feeling weightless, like superwoman, flying through the air on the giant oak’s rope swing. I remember the damp, clean grass under by bare feet, running up and down the hills of the backyard. I remember the sweet, maple taste of the mini doughnuts, baked fresh from the shop in town. I remember fearing for my life when learning to ski for the first time, crossing winter sports Olympian off of my list of possible future careers. I remember the coldest water I’ve ever felt in the Mad River, but swimming anyways, no matter how much my body refused to adjust to the frigid temperature. I remember every last detail down to the weird face mug on the mantel above the fireplace and the dining room’s eerie chandelier. I remember being carefree. I remember happiness.

Looking back on it today, I realize that I took those moments for granted. Now that I have gotten older I understand how lucky I was to have such wonderful experiences and a strong and loving family with me along the way. Of course I miss those days. I miss being a little kid, when by biggest concern was the fact that my nine o’clock bedtime would prevent me from being able to watch “Full House”. That is not to say I would go back for a second though. I now understand how important it is to live in the moment, because before we know it, we blink and life passes us by. We spend too much of our time wishing for the future, or longing for the past, instead of simply enjoying what is right in front of us. If we all took one minute out of our day to appreciate what we have in this very moment, the ride might be slightly more bearable. I am thankful for all that I have had and am ready to seize whatever opportunities may come my way. It is a strong upbringing and memories such as the ones made in our Vermont home that have shaped me into the person I am today and I wouldn’t change any of it for the world.