My Top 5 Moments of 2024 by Hannah Le

February 19th - First ever group hang out at The Source OC

1075493_8 — 2025-01-07 19:15:54 UTC

Since all the students have a day off from school for Presidents Day, my friends and I planned to meet up at The Source OC. At the time, I had no idea what “The Source OC” was or where it’s located until my friends mentioned it, so I decided to look it up. I was shocked by how great this mall was. This was a new experience for me and my first ever time having the opportunity to go out with friends alone, I had never been more excited!

When we all got to the destination, I felt so overwhelmed by all of the things this mall was packed with. It included Korean makeup, skincare, K-pop albums, my favorite boba place, and the greatest foods, all in all where I truly belong. After some time of wandering around and shopping most of us didn’t have much money left because of overspending on items, so we chose to go to a photo booth to finish the trip. The experience of posing, arguing about what accessory to wear, and wondering if we had enough money left to pay for the photos made me feel so alive and realize how cherishable this moment was. Best day ever.

October 16th - Girls League Homecoming Assembly Dance

1075493_8 — 2025-01-07 19:17:44 UTC

In the homecoming assembly on October 16th, the club that I am in, which is Girls League, was up to perform. This performance consisted of a partner dance using the song “Die with A Smile” by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. People like me that are involved in this performance had to practice for about two weeks preparing. At first, I was really indecisive whether I should join or not, however, something in me projected that I should experience something new for myself and just do it. Creating a memory and finding a new ability which is performing in front of a large audience twice. I was impressed with myself and felt amazing when I got over it. In the process, I also befriended a sophomore and learned behind the scenes of school events. This event really encourages me that I am capable of opening my mind and doing new things that can offer beneficial opportunities to my future.

August 7th - First Day of High School

1075493_8 — 2025-01-07 19:18:27 UTC

After two months of summer break, my transition from middle school to high school had begun as school resumed on Wednesday August 7th. As it was the first day, I came extra early to school, everything looks different and bigger compared to middle school and what I had imagined. Since it’s a bigger campus classes were farther from each other. My first period was at the cyber building and my second period was at the portables and I couldn’t make it to class on time but at least the teacher did not mark me tardy, I now learned that I would have to rush and not take my time. Adding on, in the classroom we did activities such as connecting and communicating with each other to get used to the existence of each classmate. I always feel afraid and unconfident when it comes to introducing myself to others and talking to people in general, so when meeting these new people, I had quite that feeling. Overall, the day went by quickly, everyone was calm and welcoming so it did not feel so hectic like I thought it would, glad it went by smoothly.

September 7th - My Dad Fracturing His Knee

1075493_8 — 2025-01-07 19:19:26 UTC

On this day, September 7th, my family was at the park enjoying our time together, my dad and brother decided to go on the swings. A moment later we heard a crash and it was my dad flying and crashing to the sanded playground. My mom and I ran to him asking if he was holding on alright, but things weren't looking so great, so we decided to take him to the hospital. Although, on the outside my dad said "He's okay” but I know that he is in pain, and it hurts me to know that. When we arrived at the hospital my mom had no choice but to leave me to stay with my dad and take care of him because she needed to bring my baby sister home. While staying with my dad waiting for the doctor and x-rays to be done, we got to chat and hang out. Obviously, the process was stressful and unwanted, but I was enjoying the time we got to spend together. After the diagnosis of what injuries my dad had we gone home and my dad had to rest for months which affected our whole family greatly. In the end, I am grateful that my dad is able to heal, however, I am shocked how so much can happen in one day and its effects in the long run for my family life.

December 23rd - 7 hours Car Ride to Arizona

1075493_8 — 2025-01-08 04:46:19 UTC

At 8 in the morning, I woke up and got myself ready for a long drive to Arizona. It had been years since I visited my aunt there and forever since I have taken such a long car drive. This time going there, my uncle’s family had planned to come along with my family so with that we had rented a big 15 person seat car which was quite pricey. In the beginning, I felt that I was not going to enjoy the car ride since my cousin was much younger than me and as a teen I found them annoying at times, however, during the drive time I found them funny and felt that I get to express myself without feeling dumb. Acting like a kid and goofing off with them was somewhat healing, I felt that maybe this car ride was overall a healing vacation that was something I needed. I am fulfilled that I have the opportunity to spend time with my relatives that I rarely interact with and know them better.