Let's be honest, 2016 probably has not been as great as everyone had hoped it would be. We cried, we loss, and we witnessed horrific acts of violence. Personally, it was a tough year, both personally and in general. Now, I could go on and on about the losses we have suffered and the horrors we have witnessed, but I believe most of us do not want to be reminded of this.

So, instead, I will list a few good things we saw happen in 2016. Colombia finally attained peace; Myanmar is no longer ruled by military; The Antarctic ozone hole has begun to show signs of healing; The Paris Agreement, which will limit global warming, is officially international law (and "Trump-proof"); For the United States, the graduation rate is at its highest, while the unemployment rate has gone down to its lowest in 10 years; Researchers have found genes that may lead to a cure for ALS; Testing for a new HIV vaccine is being done in South Africa; Tanzania and Gambia have banned child marriage; Hundreds of communities within West Africa have pledged to end female genital mutilation; Tiger population has risen for the first time in 100 years; Giant pandas are no longer endangered; Cubs won the World Series; The first Refugee Olympics Team competed in Rio; A possible ninth planet may been discovered in our solar system; Our mission to put humans on Mars continues to grow.

See? The year was not all bad. Overall, 2016 showed us that we still have a lot of work ahead of us to do in 2017. If you are someone that is fearful of what 2017 will bring due to the recent political tension that has occurred in the United States, then do not worry, because no matter who is our President, just know that there are millions that will continue to fight for your rights and values.

Keep calm, and let's ring in the new year together. Let's all give a toast for a year full of peace, kindness, and acceptance.