It began with a kiss and shall end with flashing lights.  What a year!  In the first few months I kicked loose in Footloose and sang my heart out with my first lead role in Pirates.  I watched countless volleyball games and spent quality time with my siblings.  Springtime brought a magical senior prom and graduation from the high school I had so grown to love, and summer began with an all-nighter followed only five hours later by a trip to Lake Powell.  I explored the beautiful west coast of America and ventured into the emerald wildernesses of Canada, then took a second surprise trip to Powell.  I watched my best friend leave on his mission and but six days later waved goodbye to my family and friends and exchanged my desert home for the tropical paradise of Oahu.  BYU-Hawaii brought me brand new experiences found in new friends, first-time independence, island adventure and the graphic design field.  I learned more about myself and the world and discovered the new dreams I had for the future.  In the late fall, I received my mission call to the Alps, and in December I threw my arms around those people from home I'd come to realize I loved so much.