It’s been a while since I’ve sat down to reflect on the exciting experiences that have been occupying my time. The last few posts have been brief glimpses into my everyday life, but they haven’t captured the new adventures and hobbies I’ve explored. It is time for an update! Welcome to the equivalent of a diary– starting from February, 2025.
Andrea Bocelli Valentine’s Day Concert!
Back in February, my mom, my sister, family friends, and I went to see Andrea Bocelli’s ensemble performance at the Amalie Arena in Tampa!
It was a stark contrast to my first concert experience (you can read about that here!). This time, the atmosphere was elegant and serene, with guests seated and no singing along. It was a quieter, more refined experience with beauty of classical and symphonic music.
That said, Bocelli’s performance was nothing short of breathtaking. Below are clips from my favorite piece of the evening. I’ve been trying to identify the name of the song for months with no luck. If you recognize it, please drop a comment! I believe it may have been a unique composition for the Valentine’s Evening show, which could explain why even music recognition tools haven’t been able to name it.
EDIT: I found it after searching through each and every album of Bocelli’s! It’s called Un Amore Così Grande!
Here are additional photos and videos!
St. Augustine Day Trip & Strawberry Picking!
In March, I went on a day trip to St. Augustine, which was beautiful! We visited Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, which, from the top, you get sweeping views of the ocean, sky, and the red rooftops of St. Augustine, making it feel like a place suspended in time. The fort’s cannons and stone walls remind you of its military past, while palm trees and seabirds remind you you’re in a coastal paradise!
Overall, I enjoyed shopping around St. Augustine and seeing the beautiful sights and architecture it had to offer. I would most definitely recommend taking a day trip to explore it!
On to the Strawberry Fields…
Strawberry picking was a fun new experience! It was peaceful being out in the fields picking the ripest berries and walking around.
While I have to admit I enjoyed tangerine picking more (there’s something about the scent of the oranges and the little peel-and-pop satisfaction), this outing had its own kind of charm. It was relaxing, beautiful, and a reminder of how grounding simple things can be!
Painting Palm Tree Fronds!
My neighborhood is home to a vibrant community of elderly ladies who regularly gather for activities such as game nights and craft days. I decided to attend one of their craft sessions to enjoy the peace and comfort of their company, as well as to unwind and reconnect with an old passion: painting.
Although the only artwork I’ve shared here so far only includes a portrait of my foreign exchange friend (check out that post!) and my senior crown design (see it here!), I actually used to draw and paint often–especially between middle school and ninth grade.
Attending this session felt like a quiet return to that creative part of myself I’d left untouched for a while.
This was my inspiration:
Here I am painting:
And here is the result! (Unfortunately, I did not finish all of the small details, but I plan on completing it soon).
University of Florida Tour
In late April, I toured UF’s College of Journalism, as it was the only option available when I booked a tour months in advance. The campus felt peaceful and homey. Walking around was enjoyable, especially since I grew up in NYC, where you could get anywhere by foot. During our visit, we took a 15-minute walk to the College of Dentistry. While UF is high on my list for undergrad, I’m not sure I’d choose their dental school just because the atmosphere there didn’t feel as welcoming as I had hoped.
It’s surreal to think that maybe – just maybe – this is a premature introduction to the new home of Nicole’s Everything. UF is high on the list of universities I’d consider attending. It’s also quite crazy to think that despite the current unknowns, I will be graduated from high school this time next year, and off to university.
Perhaps I will be studying something new, somewhere new. I don’t yet know if I will stay in-state or attend university out-of-state. I may attend a public or a private school. Maybe I’ll major in Biomedical Science or Biochemistry. Will I minor in Data Analytics, Business, or even Journalism?
The questions precede me.
However, its comforting to acknowledge that wherever I end up, it will be the right path for me, under God’s will. I am not worried, nor scared, nor upset. In fact, I am excited to tackle life’s new challenges and adventures head-on. Life can be so fulfilling for those who embrace it, and it is my intent to do just that.
Lately, I’ve found joy in new hobbies and interests that have made this gradual transition easier. For one, I’ve taken pride in creating elaborate yet timely meals and have come to love the art of cooking. I’m thrilled to have learned countless recipes and to now cook by heart and soul, not just by instructions. I plan on using this passion to craft fun meals for myself and my new college friends in the future.
Apologies for the lengthy video, but perhaps some of you may enjoy 3 minutes of me stuffing pasta shells and dancing to Italian-American music!
These chickpea balls were a hit in my household. Made with coconut-sugar chocolate (which has a lower glycemic index than cane sugar), these protein balls were a sweet, guilt-free treat.
Let me know if you’d like the recipe!
Nonetheless, I have honored my child-like side by exploring other passions as well. I plan on taking on guitar lessons soon after college begins, as it is never too late to learn unconventional things. I will be joining my school’s golf team this year, and will hopefully learn the basics of a sport I so greatly admire! Perhaps I will continue this in college as well!
I feel that college presents the illusion of an opening to many doors. Whether it be a fresh period in life where one can meet new people, try new activities, and engage with new surroundings, it is never to early or late to do such things. You can join new sports and participate in novel activities in high school, despite the smaller amount of “freedom” you may have. In adulthood (post-college life), it is equally important to never stop learning. Whether it be an instrument or dance, reading new books or traveling to a new country, life is not too short. You’re just not embracing it fully.
May
April showers brought metaphorical “May flowers,” as the typically stressful testing season passed like a breeze. I won’t disregard or discredit the hours of review I spent on each subject; however, this year’s AP exams felt surprisingly bearable.
That said, the AP exam for my best subject—English Language—was somewhat of a disaster.
Despite maintaining a high A all year and never failing an exam, the MCQ section of the AP Lang test was miserable. I sat directly in front of two obnoxious proctors who decided an AP exam setting was an ideal place to have an hour-long chit-chat with grand expressions and body movements.
I was so distracted. Super. Duper. Distracted.
In moments like these, the only option you have is to say a prayer (especially when you raise your hand to ask for silence and are ignored).
By God’s will, I hope I earned a 5 on what has always felt like the easiest AP subject for me–and one I genuinely love, as an avid reader and writer.
As for my other exams, they were simple and stress-free. I spent days relearning a concept for AP Statistics that I had missed due to two absences, assuming it would be prominent on the exam. To my delight, it was certainly not as prevalent as I suspected. If I had to guess my exam score, I would estimate a 4. If I get a 5, I might actually cry– but only because success in math always takes me on a whirlwind of emotions.
June
Well, well, we are all caught up.
There are many exciting posts I’ve been working on this month, ready to be released in July! Perhaps I’ll give you all a sneak peek of what I’ve been working on outside of this platform soon, but for now, my endeavors are secret!
The Next 6 Months
2025 has already been filled with countless unexpected blessings: in the form of people, experiences, accomplishments, and more.
While it’s too early to determine what the next 6 months may look like, it’s something along the lines of starting my senior year as a happy camper and never settling for a negative attitude. 😁
I hope to approach the school year with a mindset of abundance and prosperity. I plan on enjoying every moment to the fullest, while of course, providing updates here!
It has been the greatest privilege to share my growth with intelligent, thoughtful readers on this blog, and as always, I appreciate your support.
Love always,
Nicole. 🌺
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