From “time moves too slow,” to “30, please don’t go…”

Man, I can’t believe I only have five hours left of being a 30-year-old. It’s kind of depressing, kind of exciting and all-around unbelievable to me, since most of the time I act like a five-year-old and I often get mistaken for an 18-year-old.

I think in a lot of ways my first full year in my thirties was a “coming of age” experience for me. I’ll keep this short and sweet, but I wanted to share a few things I learned over the last 365 days.

1. Finding your passion and following your dreams are two very real things that can happen to real people, like you and me.

I found a way to incorporate my passion for aviation with my education and knack for writing (of course with lots of help and support from family, friends, colleagues and mentors).

Find your passion, start reaching out to people who can help you and ask for advice… ask for LOTS of advice.

2. Immersing yourself in another culture will change your life, for the better.

Completely on a whim, I was offered a trip to Istanbul to cover an aviation event last September. Many friends later and with no appendix, I can say it was the single best experience of my life. Spending time in a new place, though sometimes intimidating, can be humbling and such a great experience.

Just do it. Make it happen!

3. The phrase, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone,” is true.

I got offered my dream job at Boeing in Chicago and just like that said, “See ya,” to my husband, my family and my friends in Minnesota. It felt wrong and right at the same time, and while I love my job, my apartment and the city I’m in… it really is hard to not only live alone, but to be so far from everyone you care about.

With all of that, I’m thankful for my life, my experiences and the chance to live another year on this planet. Life is good.

Cheers.