2012.

At this time last year, I was terrified of 2012.

I knew there were some big changes in my future, and I would be faced with that terrifying moment of "what I am going to do with my life?"

For whatever reason, I decided that if an opportunity came up, I was going to take it. Big, little, out of town, whatever. I was going to do it. I figured I would at least get a good story about it.

That escalated into some really unique experiences - some that went amazingly well, and other times, not at all.

However, at the end of this year, I have realized how much I have learned.

I learned how to lead a team in a professional enviornment. I found that with complete artistic power comes great responsibility. It's still true - patience really is one of the most powerful skills. And along the way, I met a plethora of interesting people who challenged everything I thought I knew, and pushed me to be the best version of myself.

2012 was definitely one of the best years of my life (so far).

Here are a few of the highlights:

Hanging out in the Montreal train station. 

One of my first segments airing nationally on Canada AM

Keanu and Brittney performing my piece, "Gotham"  

glory.

It's been a glorious, long hot summer here in Toronto.

It's been different - not going home to my summer job, friends, family and life in British Columbia was something very new for me (as well as the humidity of Ontario).

However in ways, this was my favourite and best summer yet both personally and professionally.

Big and small, here are a few of my favourite moments:

The last photo shoot with my favourite photographer Katie before she moved back to B.C. (and is getting married next summer!)

Taking in the "50 Years of the Rolling Stones" photo exhibit opening night at the Analogue Gallery with fellow J-Skooler (and my lovely friend) Cashlyn.

I got to celebrate my two passions with my friends and family on the same day.

I graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Journalism in the afternoon, and performed in a big dance show that evening.

grad2012.

Two weeks ago, I graduated from Ryerson University's Bachelor of Journalism program.

There are so many opinions and judgements about graduation days, but I have to say that the entire process and aura of mine was magical.

The ceremony was personal, short and sweet and my hair looked awesome when I walked across the stage (clad in sparkly gold shoes of course!)

A few of my close friends who are now living far away came back for the ceremony, and there are definitely few things more special than a real reunion. I've been lucky to make some very dear friends while living in Toronto that I know I will have for the rest of my life.

Thank you to so many who have been my village supporting and helping me get through this phase.

I have some incredible opportunities coming up, and I wouldn't have made it this far without you.

Below are a few shots from the day by myself and some friends. Enjoy!

ryehigh.

Wowza this has been an absolutely insane week where I got to celebrate a couple of major milestones in my life.

I am so happy and pleased to have graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Journalism and will be working for the CTV Olympic bureau during the 2012 London Olympic Games.

What made it even sweeter? Finding out the day before graduation and getting celebrate all of our successes, hard work and the past four years in a jam-packed weekend. I would not have traded it for the world.

Pictures and more coming soon. I just got back into Toronto, wished my parents well at the train station and am back to the grind. But first, time for a good sleep tonight!

Thank you to so many for your well wishes, I appreciate them all!

solus.

It's hard to believe a month has flown by living at my new apartment. I'm absolutely loving living a bit farther west in downtown Toronto, and slowly but surely am learning and living in the dynamic of my new neighbourhood.

One thing I've been embracing for the past month was something that used to really scare me...eating alone.

Of course, it's perfectly fine to grab a coffee at a cafe and catch up on email solo, but I still feel like it isn't always okay for someone to go into a restaurant alone.

Even tonight as I made my way into a new sushi place I have been interested in trying, the sound of "Oh, just one?" was almost enough to send me out the way I came in.

However, novel in hand, I had access to the choice table in the restaurant (near a big window overlooking the street), was given samples of various pieces of sushi and finally got a good chunk of my book read that I have been meaning to do.

I took as long as I felt, paused, sipped and people-watched. In a city and lifestyle where one is constantly hyper-connected and surrounded by people all the time, taking an hour of solitude in a public place was fantastic.

Next on the list? I'm thinking Indian food (still looking to find a good place in Toronto - let me know if you have a recommendation).

This is also leading up to a very exciting week for me and my university peers. On Friday we will be donning caps and gowns and graduating from Ryerson University's Bachelor of Journalism program. My parents will arrive this week, and there will be many celebrations and cheers to be had!

Needless to say, I've just gotten really excited.

All the best into the upcoming week!