It’s my 25th BIRTHDAY!!👀👀

Turning 25 in a city as vibrant as Paris truly feels like a milestone event that deserves reflection. Over the past year, I’ve experienced everything from the thrill of reconnecting with a childhood friend after nearly a decade to the unexpected humor of getting stung by a jellyfish in Marseille—hoping for some wild story but ending up with a quirky scar instead! One of my absolute highlights was meeting Kim Petras not once, but twice in October, with the second time being a sober and delightful encounter that’s become one of my cherished memories. It’s moments like these that make life so unpredictable and exciting. My persistence also paid off when Duolingo France finally followed me after I struggled for years with the French language, a victory I celebrated with two viral videos. But not everything was smooth sailing. On New Year’s Eve, I got robbed and had my phone stolen at a club, an experience that tested my wits and resilience. I had to Uber through some tough neighborhoods and convince the police to help me out—all of which taught me never to back down and persist even when the odds feel against you. Starting an internship after months of rejections was another major milestone. It was a tough road with over 100 applications, but persistence and patience eventually opened doors. As an American expat in Paris, navigating career, friendships, and personal growth amid cultural differences has been both challenging and rewarding. Each month brought a new chapter—I traveled to Strasbourg to savor French sausage with my best friend before she moved to Canada and took in the festive spirit of the "Capital of Christmas." These experiences reminded me that life isn’t perfect or predictable, but with chaos comes growth, joy, and unforgettable stories. If you’re celebrating a birthday or facing your own unpredictable journey, remember that embracing the chaos and staying true to yourself is what makes life truly worthwhile. Paris, with its endless charm and surprises, has been the perfect backdrop for my 25th chapter of life, and I can’t wait to see what the next year holds!