In 2018 I was able to accomplish things that I’ve dreamed of for years and I have been so blessed. I still cannot believe I am at this point in my life and I will continue to pray, plan, and set goals. Here are some of the main things that I accomplished in 2018.

If you asked me a year ago, I would have sworn that I would grow up to be an old cat lady – jokingly of course. I decided to stop looking and just prepare myself for whenever the right person came along. Much to my surprise, I would meet my future husband, move in together, and get married within 7 months. We got married at the courthouse for less than $100 and it was the best decision ever.

Pharmacy school was really tough and I even had to remediate my first year. There were many challenges and at one point I considered returning to teaching. With the encouragement of others, I decided to stick it out and graduated in May with a concentration in pharmacy research. I have gained lots of friends, professional network, and experiences/skills I hope to utilize soon (I am planning something huge to eventually write my own paychecks one day). Unfortunately, I also gained a huge amount of student loan debt.

I was so nervous about passing the NAPLEX and MPJE exams not only due to the costs of taking these exams, but also due to costs with not working if I failed. I think I studied too much and stressed a lot, but I did pass all of my exams on the first attempt and was able to start work as a licensed pharmacist on July 2nd.

I have spent many years being in credit card debt. I worked to make regular payments while in school so that I wouldn’t get behind. Once I graduated, I made a plan to make this debt a priority and to knock it out ASAP. Now I am glad to say that I am completely free of credit card debt. There have been a few times where I used the cards to buy gifts for Christmas or to buy gas (I’m not a fan of using my debit card at the gas pump). Now whenever I use my cards I pay them off immediately and I don’t use them if I don’t have the funds in the bank already to pay them in full.

This was another goal of mine to accomplish this year. The interest on my car loan was 7.65% and the note was $352.89 per month. Now I have a car title and paid off car and it feels so good. I’ve never held a car title ever in life until last year.

I am so fortunate to have a job in my field, especially since I know quite a few that have still not been able to find anything. I work in retail pharmacy and it is extremely stressful, but I am thankful. I get paid well with pretty good benefits. After a few months on the job the Pharmacy Manager position at my store opened up. I contemplated it for a while, but eventually decided to apply and was promoted. The level of stress involved has increased but I know I just need to hang in there and life will get better.

How has 2018 been good to you?