Editor’s Note: This article was published in the Spring 2010 Year in Review issue.

As I look back on the year, I can’t help but think about what has changed since the fall. A lot has, but I don’t really know how to measure these changes.

I have five more pieces of Illini apparel that I didn’t own before this year. I’ve been tagged in at least four hundred more photos on Facebook. My iPod consists of three or four new playlists of songs that will forever make me think of junior year when I hear them. I have three more countries stamped into my passport. I’ve added 14 more friends to my Gmail chat list, and my printer only went through one full ink cartridge.

Once finals end, we all feel as if we have had a huge weight lifted off our shoulders. We’ve come to the end, but even if you are overly excited to finally get out of here, everyone still feels a little sad that the year has ended.

Looking back, there are several things I am grateful for — like the fact that I was never one of the victims of swine flu or that I was lucky enough not to live next door to the construction at the Six Pack or that I didn’t see my name of the clout list.

I’m happy that I can look back and know that I’ve grown, even if I’m not sure how to measure it.

Ashley is a junior in LAS.