XXV

Quarter century come and gone since I was ripped out of my mother's womb, two weeks late and unwilling to budge after attempts at inducing labour. In fact, we're both lucky to be alive. So much has happened in 25 years yet all that I have learned from my experiences is that I am still naive to the ways to the world and I have so much yet to experience. I am nowhere near what I thought I would achieve by this point (job, career, house, car etc). However, I now know that these comforts are trivial compared to the friendships forged, the adventures I have been on and the journeys I have yet to experience. Even within the last two years, the personal growth I have gone through, the memories I've shared and created with those around me are just a small sampling of what is to come. How I lived the majority of these 25 years with eyes closed, self-absorbed and unaware of what surrounds me, I am not sure. Each day brings something new, and I feel that I must continue to challenge myself to new experiences, take risks and to strive to be better at everything each day. I've been so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people, to be supported by so many and to have the life that I do now that I am always motivated to contribute back and return all the love that has been given to me. I am who I am and have accomplished all that I have because of all that are around me and have pushed me along the way. To everyone over the past 25 years, thank you. I love you all.