True Engineering and Technology Alumni team members Akram Khatib and Jerry Hohn capsize after an exchange during the IUPUI Regatta in the Downtown Canal, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014. In the regatta, teams race up and down the canal from the head at Fairbanks Hall to the Walnut Street basin and back. Two of a team's four rowers paddle from the start line, then exchange the canoe with the other two team members at the basin. Alex Farris
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A three-year tradition for this four-year-old blog. (Whoops. Sorry, 2011.)

2014.12.31
Today, I end 2014 with, oddly enough, a few words about 2013.

Only over the distance of a year can I feel that I fully understand how transformative 2013 was. I started out the year thinking I would spend my life as a photographer, covering weddings & newspaper assignments and flying a kite with a GoPro for fun. I ended the year heading into a second semester of pre-med classes and becoming ever more convinced that I would spend my life, not as a photographer, but as a doctor. There was such a hairpin turn in the middle of that year, and I could feel the turn as I drove through it, but only now can I look back and see how sharp the turn was.

I also see how much happier I am after that turn. There are many reasons for this contentment, some of which appear in great detail in my INPA post, so I won't recapitulate everything here. I'll simply say that returning full-time to my love of science has been an awe-filled, fulfilling, and oddly goal-oriented experience (what with the requirements that medical schools place before their applicants). At the same time, a part of me will always miss pizza in the newsroom and telling a good story on deadline, and that part of me will always live vicariously through my reporter friends. I'm really glad that I have friends who do journalism as their way to make the world a better place, and I'm extremely lucky to have friends like Ryan Dorgan who use great photos to tell an even greater story. I will be watching those friends from afar, appreciating their work, awed by their skill, and confident they will improve the world.

This year doesn't feel quite as transformative as did 2013. At least, any transformation that occurred was nowhere near as sudden or cataclysmic. The theme this year is progress. I finished my medical school requirements (while bumping my GPA past 3.8!), I earned a good score on the MCAT, I got a job in medicine as a scribe for ScribeAmerica, and I scheduled interviews for January with the IU School of Medicine and the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago. There were many other small improvements this year, as well, like taking more high school basketball assignments and finding a better way to capture stars trailing through the night sky. Each improvement, small and large, assures me that I chose wisely to make that hairpin turn. There will be hills and mountains and further sharp turns to come, but now that I've lived to tell the tale of that consequential turn, I'm more and more confident that I can make it through those, as well.

But let's leave tomorrow for next year. (ba-DUM, tish.) Today, let's look back at the year that was. Have a good night, and I hope to see you here next year.

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People enjoy CIROC the New Year 2014 at the Regions Bank Tower downtown, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. People enjoy CIROC the New Year 2014 at the Regions Bank Tower downtown, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. Alex Farris
Sinclair Wheeler plays \ Sinclair Wheeler plays "Auld Lang Syne" during the CIROC the New Year 2014 at the Regions Bank Tower downtown, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. Alex Farris
Billy (Andrew Martin) signs to his girlfriend, Sylvia (Ryan O\'Shea), as Sylvia\'s previous statement is translated to written English on the wall at dinner with Billy\'s family during the Indiana premiere of \ Billy (Andrew Martin) signs to his girlfriend, Sylvia (Ryan O'Shea), as Sylvia's previous statement is translated to written English on the wall at dinner with Billy's family during the Indiana premiere of "Tribes" at the Phoenix Theatre, Friday, Jan. 10, 2014. The play follows a family that raised a deaf son, Billy, as if he could speak. Alex Farris
Garrison Brown, 2, and Jinai Lewis listen to a reading of the short story \ Garrison Brown, 2, and Jinai Lewis listen to a reading of the short story "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters" during the annual Sankofa Black Heritage Festival at the Indiana State Museum, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014. Sankofa, meaning "reach back and fetch it," is a celebration of West African culture. Alex Farris
Hamilton Southeastern senior Tyler Jenkins reaches for a loose ball around Carmel sophomore Preston Flamion during Carmel\'s 55-54 victory over host Hamilton Southeastern, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014. Hamilton Southeastern senior Tyler Jenkins reaches for a loose ball around Carmel sophomore Preston Flamion during Carmel's 55-54 victory over host Hamilton Southeastern, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014. Alex Farris
Trey Anastasio Band performs in the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014. Trey Anastasio Band performs in the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014. Alex Farris
Cultural Cannibals Carnaval honors Mardi Gras with a Brazilian dancer and an Indiana University drumline at Jazz Kitchen, Saturday, March 1, 2014. Cultural Cannibals Carnaval honors Mardi Gras with a Brazilian dancer and an Indiana University drumline at Jazz Kitchen, Saturday, March 1, 2014. Alex Farris
Medical students perform an Indian dance at the end of the IU School of Medicine\'s annual Evening of the Arts at the Madame Walker Theatre, Saturday, April 12, 2014. Funds raised through the event support four free medical clinics around Indianapolis. Medical students perform an Indian dance at the end of the IU School of Medicine's annual Evening of the Arts at the Madame Walker Theatre, Saturday, April 12, 2014. Funds raised through the event support four free medical clinics around Indianapolis. Alex Farris
IndyMojo and local band Cosby Sweater threw an album release party for the band\\\'s new EP, \\\ IndyMojo and local band Cosby Sweater threw an album release party for the band's new EP, "Party Dad," at The Vogue in Broad Ripple, Saturday, April 19, 2014. Freddie Bunz & Friends and Shy Guy Says also performed, as did bartenders skilled at alcoholic pyrotechnics. Alex Farris
Brenna McGinn puts her hand to her face after leading Kappa Alpha Theta to the finish line in first place during the women\\\'s Little 500 at Bill Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington, Friday, April 25, 2014. Brenna McGinn puts her hand to her face after leading Kappa Alpha Theta to the finish line in first place during the women's Little 500 at Bill Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington, Friday, April 25, 2014. Alex Farris
Brenna McGinn, Kate McDougal and Elizabeth Lieberman celebrate their victory in the women\'s Little 500 at Bill Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington, Friday, April 25, 2014. Brenna McGinn, Kate McDougal and Elizabeth Lieberman celebrate their victory in the women's Little 500 at Bill Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington, Friday, April 25, 2014. Alex Farris
Riders from Collins (28), Dodds House (16) and Delta Upsilon (23) are involved in an accident going into turn three during the men\'s Little 500 at Bill Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington, Saturday, April 26, 2014. Riders from Collins (28), Dodds House (16) and Delta Upsilon (23) are involved in an accident going into turn three during the men's Little 500 at Bill Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington, Saturday, April 26, 2014. Alex Farris
Jacob Miller celebrates as he crosses the finish line, bringing Black Key Bulls its first victory in the men\'s Little 500 at Bill Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington, Saturday, April 26, 2014. Jacob Miller celebrates as he crosses the finish line, bringing Black Key Bulls its first victory in the men's Little 500 at Bill Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington, Saturday, April 26, 2014. Alex Farris
John Legend performs at Old National Centre, Friday, May 9, 2014. John Legend performs at Old National Centre, Friday, May 9, 2014. Alex Farris
Paul Biermann, 5, looks out of an Amtrak sleeping car on display during National Train Day celebrations at Union Station, Saturday, May 10, 2014. Paul Biermann, 5, looks out of an Amtrak sleeping car on display during National Train Day celebrations at Union Station, Saturday, May 10, 2014. Alex Farris
Fans cheer during The Wanted\'s performance in the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, Thursday, May 15, 2014. Fans cheer during The Wanted's performance in the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, Thursday, May 15, 2014. Alex Farris
One hundred eighty-six photos make up this composite image of the night sky over Indianapolis in the early morning of May 25, 2014. Three Camelopardalids meteors are shown, as well as the path of an old Russian rocket. One hundred eighty-six photos make up this composite image of the night sky over Indianapolis in the early morning of May 25, 2014. Three Camelopardalids meteors are shown, as well as the path of an old Russian rocket. Alex Farris
Franklin runner Shelby Taylor makes her way back to second base before the tag by New Palestine shortstop Adie Lorsung during the Sectional 13 softball championship game at Franklin Community High School, Wednesday, May 28, 2014. Franklin runner Shelby Taylor makes her way back to second base before the tag by New Palestine shortstop Adie Lorsung during the Sectional 13 softball championship game at Franklin Community High School, Wednesday, May 28, 2014. Alex Farris
Elizabeth Faust and Nicole Onley celebrate teammate Evelyn White\'s victory during the first Rock Paper Scissors Indy City Championship at the White Rabbit in Fountain Square, Saturday, May 31, 2014. Teams of three filled a bracket of 32 teams and battled for a top prize of $500. Elizabeth Faust and Nicole Onley celebrate teammate Evelyn White's victory during the first Rock Paper Scissors Indy City Championship at the White Rabbit in Fountain Square, Saturday, May 31, 2014. Teams of three filled a bracket of 32 teams and battled for a top prize of $500. Alex Farris
Kateri Fites before her wedding to Ben Gilliland-Sauer at St. Thomas Catholic Church in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, June 7, 2014. Alex Farris
Fever forward Marissa Coleman yells for a jump-ball call as Shock forward Jordan Hooper tries to hold onto the ball during the Indiana Fever\'s 107-102 overtime loss to the Tulsa Shock at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Wednesday, June 25, 2014. Fever forward Marissa Coleman yells for a jump-ball call as Shock forward Jordan Hooper tries to hold onto the ball during the Indiana Fever's 107-102 overtime loss to the Tulsa Shock at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Wednesday, June 25, 2014. Alex Farris
Greenwood Freedom Festival, Saturday, June 28, 2014. Breianna Harlow, 4, with her grandfather Robert McCalister, pushes a button to make Greenwood mayor Mark Myers fall into a dunk tank. The mayor was helping raise money for chemotherapy treatments for two girls at Northeast Elementary School. Greenwood Freedom Festival, Saturday, June 28, 2014. Breianna Harlow, 4, with her grandfather Robert McCalister, pushes a button to make Greenwood mayor Mark Myers fall into a dunk tank. The mayor was helping raise money for chemotherapy treatments for two girls at Northeast Elementary School. Alex Farris
The wedding party of Wesley Rhoderick and Kayleigh Kaiser stop at Arby's after the ceremony, Saturday, July 12, 2014. Alex Farris
Sabra Logan, founder and director of Iibada Dance Company, leads walkers in an African welcoming dance during the third annual Walk for Water event downtown, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014. The event raised money for a community clean-water well in Kager, Kenya. Attendees walked from American Legion Mall to the canal, filled buckets with water and walked back to the mall, simulating the path villagers without clean water have to take every day. Sabra Logan, founder and director of Iibada Dance Company, leads walkers in an African welcoming dance during the third annual Walk for Water event downtown, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014. The event raised money for a community clean-water well in Kager, Kenya. Attendees walked from American Legion Mall to the canal, filled buckets with water and walked back to the mall, simulating the path villagers without clean water have to take every day. Alex Farris
A swimmer jumps into the Indiana Central Canal to begin the Tri-Indy Triathlon, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014. The triathlon route was centered at White River State Park and went as far north as the Major Taylor Velodrome. A swimmer jumps into the Indiana Central Canal to begin the Tri-Indy Triathlon, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014. The triathlon route was centered at White River State Park and went as far north as the Major Taylor Velodrome. Alex Farris
Paul Stanley of KISS performs at Klipsch Music Center, Friday, Aug. 22, 2014. Paul Stanley of KISS performs at Klipsch Music Center, Friday, Aug. 22, 2014. Alex Farris
Members of KISS are drenched in ice water after accepting the ALS ice bucket challenge from Motley Crue at Klipsch Music Center, Friday, Aug. 22, 2014. KISS and Def Leppard each pledged $10,000 to the ALS Association and challenged music acts such as Elton John, U2 and Prince. Members of KISS are drenched in ice water after accepting the ALS ice bucket challenge from Motley Crue at Klipsch Music Center, Friday, Aug. 22, 2014. KISS and Def Leppard each pledged $10,000 to the ALS Association and challenged music acts such as Elton John, U2 and Prince. Alex Farris
Georgia Reese\'s Southern Table & Bar hosted a private event at its location at 86th and Michigan Streets, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014. The restaurant, set to serve soul food staples in a Prohibition-era supper club atmosphere, opens to the public on Sept. 2. Georgia Reese's Southern Table & Bar hosted a private event at its location at 86th and Michigan Streets, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014. The restaurant, set to serve soul food staples in a Prohibition-era supper club atmosphere, opens to the public on Sept. 2. Alex Farris
Resident Daniel Hardt sweeps the sidewalk as children play during a community clean-up on South Elder Street near Washington Street, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. City organizations lent volunteers and equipment to residents to renovate the high-crime area along West Washington Street. Resident Daniel Hardt sweeps the sidewalk as children play during a community clean-up on South Elder Street near Washington Street, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. City organizations lent volunteers and equipment to residents to renovate the high-crime area along West Washington Street. Alex Farris
Braden Tamosaitis, 9, pitches an oversize softball to Notre Dame outfielder Megan Sorlie during the Riley Hospital for Children Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Reunion at Fairbanks Hall, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014. Members of the Purdue and Notre Dame softball teams visited Riley to staff booths at the reunion and visit children at the Riley Hospital for Children Cancer Center. Braden Tamosaitis, 9, pitches an oversize softball to Notre Dame outfielder Megan Sorlie during the Riley Hospital for Children Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Reunion at Fairbanks Hall, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014. Members of the Purdue and Notre Dame softball teams visited Riley to staff booths at the reunion and visit children at the Riley Hospital for Children Cancer Center. Alex Farris
Engineering and Technology Alumni team members Akram Khatib and Jerry Hohn capsize after an exchange during the IUPUI Regatta in the Downtown Canal, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014. In the regatta, teams race up and down the canal from the head at Fairbanks Hall to the Walnut Street basin and back. Two of a team\'s four rowers paddle from the start line, then exchange the canoe with the other two team members at the basin. Engineering and Technology Alumni team members Akram Khatib and Jerry Hohn capsize after an exchange during the IUPUI Regatta in the Downtown Canal, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014. In the regatta, teams race up and down the canal from the head at Fairbanks Hall to the Walnut Street basin and back. Two of a team's four rowers paddle from the start line, then exchange the canoe with the other two team members at the basin. Alex Farris
Reception for Callie Meece and Grant McAdams wedding, Saturday, October 4, 2014 Alex Farris
Reception for Callie Meece and Grant McAdams wedding, Saturday, October 4, 2014 Alex Farris
Black tape signifying a black hole drapes over the audience during Optical Popsicle, an annual variety show by the collective Know No Stranger, at The Toby Theatre at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. Black tape signifying a black hole drapes over the audience during Optical Popsicle, an annual variety show by the collective Know No Stranger, at The Toby Theatre at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. Alex Farris
The moon partially eclipses the sun over Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis, Thursday, October 23, 2014. Composite of four photos taken at 2:12pm, 5:56pm, 6:02pm, and 6:12pm. Used 80-200mm lens with 77mm ND1000 filter. The moon partially eclipses the sun over Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis, Thursday, October 23, 2014. Composite of four photos taken at 2:12pm, 5:56pm, 6:02pm, and 6:12pm. Used 80-200mm lens with 77mm ND1000 filter. Alex Farris
The Downtown Creepy Crawl, sponsored by Jagermeister, took costumed Halloween party people through Cadillac Ranch, Taps and Dolls, Ike and Jonesy\'s, Blu, and Tiki Bob\'s bars, Friday, Oct. 31, 2014. The Downtown Creepy Crawl, sponsored by Jagermeister, took costumed Halloween party people through Cadillac Ranch, Taps and Dolls, Ike and Jonesy's, Blu, and Tiki Bob's bars, Friday, Oct. 31, 2014. Alex Farris
Carmel junior Ben Veatch beats Brebeuf senior Zack Snider over the finish line in first place during the IHSAA Boys Cross Country State Finals at LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014. Carmel junior Ben Veatch beats Brebeuf senior Zack Snider over the finish line in first place during the IHSAA Boys Cross Country State Finals at LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014. Alex Farris
Adil Majid (far right), a member of the Muslim Student Association at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, leads a prayer of supplication for slain aid worker Abdul-Rahman (Peter) Kassig during a memorial service for Kassig at the Indiana Interchurch Center in Indianapolis, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. Adil Majid (far right), a member of the Muslim Student Association at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, leads a prayer of supplication for slain aid worker Abdul-Rahman (Peter) Kassig during a memorial service for Kassig at the Indiana Interchurch Center in Indianapolis, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. Alex Farris

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