2011 ended far different than what I anticipated. Over the past 5 months, I quit a full-time job, moved home, reunited with my sister after her living in New Zealand for 8 months, finished my thesis, completed a Master’s program from one of the best universities in the country, celebrated my graduation with so many loved ones including Nicole and Deneice, and had my heart broken by the person I surely thought would have remained by my side until I left to New York City. If the recent events have taught me anything, it is this: life will move on, and some people will always fail you. It is my inherent job to refrain from repeating the same mistakes in 2012.

May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself. ––Neil Gaiman

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