It’s been a bittersweet day reflecting on the past year. 23 has had a lot of lows, but also a lot of highs to make it worth it. This time last year I was considering leaving theatre and pursuing a different career. If I had, I wouldn’t have met all of the wonderful people I have and wouldn’t have made all the memories I have. While I’m having similar sentiments this winter, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on everything I’ve faced this year. I lost my best friend of 16 years, and then moved to NYC and worked at The Public Theatre with the most amazing people. I went back to Jersey and got to work with the Jolly Craft Studio before driving across the country to go to the Santa Fe Opera for the summer. I met so many people that will be in my life forever and made a new best friend. I got to see one of my favorite bands live and read two book@series that changed my life forever. Now I’m living in Columbus and working at the BalletMet. I’m so grateful for everything that got me to where I am now. But it’s also difficult to reflect on my life knowing there is a genocide going on in Palestine, Congo, and Sudan, and that my tax dollars are funding those genocides in some way or another. There is nothing I can do about it except speak up and raise awareness. Boycott McDonalds, Starbucks, and Disney. Don’t buy vapes or any other disposable lithium batteries. Talk about what is happening to those around you. It feels disingenuous and privileged to be celebrating the future knowing many people won’t see the new year because they will be killed for profits. Happy new years, and here’s to the end of occupation in Palestine.