This morning I came into an email from the Managing Director of my department at work. It was an email thanking me for my hard work and quality of service since starting the position in April. (We call this “Real Time Recognition” or “RTR”).

As I read this RTR, all I can do is tear up as the sense of caring washes over me, its amazing how valued I feel, not only as an employee but as a person. I emailed a ‘thank you’ back to the MD, and to my manager, so they knew just how much I appreciate them for taking the time to show us such value and care.

Lately, feeling valued and appreciated are feelings I have been struggling with obtaining – in all aspects of my life.

I never knew I could feel like this about a job. This company has so many positive points, but the sense of belonging and care I feel is one of the best parts.

This company has truly blown me away with the caring they show their employees across the board. Whether I need help with a task, or just need a friend to talk to, there is always someone willing to help.

I truly feel extremely blessed to have this job. 

So today, I just want to take the moment to share not only how blessed I feel, but to also remind each and every person who reads this just how valued YOU are.

There are days we all feel worthless, lonely, unappreciated… just know that I appreciate YOU and remind yourself today just how amazing YOU are.

After one school year, I said goodbye to many of my 8th graders today. Today, they graduated from Largo Middle and are off to high schools in the fall.

I could not be more proud.

I have learned a lot from these crazy 14 & 15 year old kids the past year.

I learned terms and slang for things I hope to never use. With them, I experienced relationship breakups and relationship makeups. I learned how to trick them into learning and how to recognize when they are in a “mood”.  They taught me to never give up on them, just because they test the waters the first few months of school. They taught me that at their age, some of them have gone through more in the last year than I have in my entire life.

The main thing they taught me was that, as their teacher, I am meant to do more than just teach them.

I am meant to be part of their support system, a person they can trust, and a person they know will be cheering them on, even when they frustrate me to no end.

My classroom is a safe haven. A place to escape middle school drama or a place where they can come hangout and eat lunch.

Although I use to tell them they made my life hard. They did, but in a way I will truly miss this summer and next year.

So, to all my 8th grade darlings who stalk my blog and will see this….Good luck in high school! I know you will succeed. And ALWAYS remember these words when it comes to the new relationships you will make over the next 4 years:

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss

I find it interesting how as your grow older you come to really recognise who your REAL friends are.

I thought I had that somewhat sorted out when I first moved to England. I realised quickly who really cared and wanted to stay in touch, and who just forgot I existed.

Now, my perception on who my friends are has once again changed now that I have moved back to Florida.

Friends who know I am back in town, who I thought would want to catch up and so on have put in very little to no effort.

I am not saying I expect to have a bunch of these people texting me daily.

I have a handful of friends who live busy lives like me, but they still make a point every week or so to text me or Facebook me to see how I am doing.

That is a true friend.

Not the people who act like they want to stay in touch but only respond to effort I put towards the friendship.

I don’t even know what kind of friendship that is.

I have been home for about a month now, and it has been interesting to see who has put forth any effort to even send me a text to say hello.

I enjoy finding out who my true friends are verses these people I thought were friends, but I realise they are nothing more than acquaintances.

Some of you may read this and think “hmm…she may be talking about me.” If you have to think that…then yes, this is probably referring to you.

However, I must say…thank you to all my TRUE friends who have put in some effort. Not only those friends from Florida..but also all of my friends from around the world.

Thank you for being a real friend.

I’m sad to say it, but I am officially down to my last four Drivetime shows on Westside 89.6FM.

Leaving London means leaving my hosting slot on my favourite West London radio station.

However, I would have no changed the experience for anything.

I have learned SO MUCH over the past 6 months working at the station.

My confidence and radio personality has reached more of its potential than I would have ever thought.

As host and producer to my own show I got to not only be the personality, but run the board and pick the subjects I talk about on the show.

Funny national days, celeb birthdays, music news and entertainment gossip are all a part of my show.

Even taking the tunes OLD SKOOL for part of my show is something I brought to my slot.

I have THREE SHOWS LEFT after today. So, if you want to show some love and support you can stream it online…

www.westsideradio.co.uk

OR (if you have a smart phone, iPhone, or android) download the TuneIn Radio app…and look up Westside 89.6 FM.

I am on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 4pm – 7pm (GMT).

Thank you to all those who have listened to my show, I appreciate the support and requests!

Westside love to you.

XX

So, since it is almost the end of 2012…why not pick out my TOP 5 highlights of the year and give them some much deserved credit.

So, let the countdown begin…

NUMBER FIVE

I got to experience the best summer yet in London with the Queen’s Jubilee and Olympics all within the span of a few months.

Talk about a summer to remember!

NUMBER FOUR 

In October I was able to meet my favorite musician, Brandon Heath, and talk to him.

It was amazing and worth being a highlight of my year!

I was even able to show him the tattoo I have on my side which is the lyrics of my favourite song of his.

He loved it so much, he took a picture of it!

If you don’t count that as a highlight…I don’t know what is!

(Thank you mom for making it possible for us to meet him, you’re the best mom in the whole world!)

NUMBER THREE

Being able to fly to Japan to be there to witness my niece being born!

Being a part of that sweet little girl’s first coupe weeks of life was spectacular.

I mean, look at that cute little face and that SMILE! How could you not be happy to love on and take naps with something so adorable?!

She was a great birthday present for me, since she was born just a few days before my 23rd.

I wouldn’t have missed it for the world! Love this little girl.

NUMBER TWO

I have the most amazing boyfriend.

So, meeting him is of course on my list of highlights this past year which I am so incredibly thankful for.

Leave it to me to find myself a Brit only a few months before my visa expires….but I wouldn’t change anything about it.

He is my little dark rain cloud, but he is fantastic non the less.

🙂

NUMBER ONE

Even though all these highlights have been amazing…one takes the cake.

That is finally graduating with my Masters Degree…and not only that, but graduating with merit.

The past year has been incredible. I have made some life long friends and experienced so much.

Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout this year. Words cannot express how much gratitude I owe you.

All I know now is…

If 2012 was this amazing…I can only imagine how much is in store for me in 2013.

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I have ended up where I needed to be.” – Douglas Adams

This statement could not be more true.

I never in my life would have thought I would be in London. This beautiful city where I am managed ti feel so at home and make friends that will always mean so much to me.

I never though I would venture this far away from home to pursue my MA.

I guess life is surprising like that…isn’t it?

I never would have thought I would continue my studies and go on to law school. That was a shock to me as well.

If you would have asked me five years ago where I would be now…I would have said something completely different than what I am currently doing.

It amazes me how much things can change throughout this little thing we call time.

Although the stresses of this life make me feel like I am in way over my head, I can’t help but continue to be thankful.

Thankful that I have an opportunity such as this one.

Even though I never would have thought my life would take this path…I know that this path, the one I am on now, is where I am suppose to be.

Without a shadow of a doubt.

I am where I am suppose to be.