Nuanced 19!

What a milestone day! 

The last of the teen birthdays for Greta has arrived!! 

Happy Happy Happy birthday, chicadee!! 

What a whirlwind year you have had, from capping off your senior year of high school with lovely award celebrations, honors, and a repeat New York State Mountain Biking Team Championship, to taking your first year at American University by storm! I have enjoyed watching you grow up this last year... you are turning into an awesome adult and I really enjoy being your mom. Looking back on this last year is fun, and also funny, as there are many activities during the last year that I don't know anything about! Perhaps you can fill in some of the gaps?!

Once you wrapped up your final days as a Niskayuna High School Silver Warrior, you returned to Albany Academies as a summer camp counselor, determined to earn sufficient funds to enjoy your year in D.C. When you weren't working, you spent time with friends at Galleria 7 Market and backyard bonfires, as you all prepared for exciting new experiences at college. That led to many bittersweet goodbyes, but with technology making it so easy to keep in touch, those dear to you have remained so over the last 10 months. I am certain that you have lifetime friends among the NHS Class of 2023, and that your support and encouragement of one another will never end.

Before we knew it, summer was over, you survived a bizarre sprained neck that made for a "fun fact about me" to use at college, and we packed the car to the brim with all the essentials for your first dorm room at American University.

You lucked out with a fantastic roommate, Ella (whom you lived with so well you will be roomies again next year), and formed wonderful friendships with many other kind and smart AU Eagles. And while Letts Hall presented some challenges (hello murder hornets, mice, and 3am fire alarms!), overall it was a fine first-year place to live... convenient to the quad, library, and the academic buildings you frequented.  

Your dad and I are thrilled to see you making the most of your AU experience. We have enjoyed watching you explore D.C. and grow to love it as much as we did at your age (and still do). You enjoyed your International Studies and Environmental Studies curriculum for the most part, participated in the AU Cornerstone Program with a position at the O Museum at the Mansion as a librarian and curatorship intern in the Spring, were accepted into the AU Peace Corp Prep program, received your certification as a beekeeper apprentice, served as a committee chair for the American University Model United Nations Conference, played intramural volleyball, and took up running.

You have made the most of the location and "free" Metro card, taking weekly excursions all around the Nation's Capital.

From fairly regular FaceTime conversations, we learned that you've found your favorite coffee shops and study spots, make regular trips to the botanical gardens and The Mall, and appear to have achieved a healthy balance of study-work-play-rest.
You've nailed the "study" and "work" parts, as your Dean's List status and invitation to transition from intern to employee at the O Museum attest. Next year you will be part of a select group of School of International Service (SIS) students selected for the Abdul Aziz Said Peace Scholars Program and earning some spending money by working at the front desk of a dormitory. We are so proud of your academic achievements and look forward to the coming year.

I confess that the "play" part intrigues me, because I only catch glimpses of outings to

museums or restaurants or college parties! I love the funny stories you've shared about selecting "going out" clothes, fixing other kids' broken bike chains, finding new running routes, and making cute videos with Ella. It sounds like you have made wonderful memories. As for "rest" part, you've definitely extended your bedtime, but have learned the true power of naps... that is a definite rite of passage to adulthood!

I know that saying goodbye to your group for the summer will be difficult, but again,
technology to the rescue! Unfortunately this summer's schedule (14 days in Africa, anyone??) doesn't allow you to visit college friends in Seattle, South Carolina or elsewhere, but I am certain you will have meet-ups during summers to come.

All in all, the last year was an eventful one. You are truly remarkable and are coming into your independence with confidence and common sense. Enjoy the coming year... as you will be leaving "teen" behind before you know it! We love you, Greta! MAKE A WISH!