As the 2015 chapter of our lives comes to an end, the 2016 chapter is about to begin. Many of us will set resolutions (and few will follow through), everyone will make new memories and friends, and experience life in different ways. There will be excitement, sadness, laughter, tears and so much more to anticipate. Here are 16 things to look forward to in 2016.
College Football National Championship
On January 11 in Glendale, AZ two teams will face off in the BCS Bowl for the 2015-16 to become national champions. Prior to the BCS Bowl game, the top four teams will participate in separate bowl games to determine who will move on to the championship. On December 31, No. 4 Oklahoma will face No. 1 Clemson in the Capitol One Orange Bowl in Miami. The winner of that game will take on the winner of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl (Dec. 31), where No. 3 Michigan State will face No. 2 Alabama in Arlington, TX in the national championship
2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic
On January 1, the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens will play in the NHL Winter Classic on an outdoor rink at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots.
Super Bowl 50
On February 7, 2016, the 50th annual Super Bowl will be held at Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, with the opposing teams still TBD. Coldplay is scheduled to perform during the much-anticipated half-time show.
The Olympics
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will play host to the 2016 Summer Olympics from August 5-21.
NASA InSight Mission to Mars
In March of 2016, NASA plans to send a geophysical lander to study the interior of Mars. Its mission is to understand the evolutionary processes that formed the planets of our solar system. Because Mars has had far less activity than Earth, it is a prime planet for this study. NASA plans to launch between March 4-20, expects InSight to land on September 28, and ends the prime mission September 26, 2018.
"Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice"
The much awaited film stares two of the world's most famous superheroes, Batman and Superman, portrayed by Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill respectively, facing off. It premieres March 28.
"Finding Dory"
The second installment of the beloved film "Finding Nemo" will air June 17 and follows the story of Dory as she tries to find her way back to her family.
"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"
For all the Harry Potter fans out there, J.K. Rowling isn't finished yet. In a spin-off of the worldwide phenomenon, the movie (based off a book of the same title) follows the story of Newt Scamander, a magizoologist and member of the secret wizarding community in New York who tracks down magical creatures for a living. The film airs November 18.
2016 Presidential Election
The United States Presidential Election will take place on November 8. After primary elections are held between March and June, voters will take to the polls in November to elect the next president of the US. Frontrunners include Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Donald Trump and Ben Carson.
Leap Year
2016 is leap year, which means there will be 366 days instead of 365. To most people, February 29 is just another day. But look at it as an extra day to experience/enjoy life.
Adele Tour
Can't get "Hello" out of your head? You're not alone. If you are like me, you probably ran right to the internet to find out when Adele would be going on tour. Lucky for you, her tour starts in July and extends through September.
iPhone 7
Let's face it, everyone wants whatever the new gadget is. This year, it was the Apple Watch. Next year, it will be the iPhone 7. While some of you will be waiting in line for its release, the rest of us will have to wait.
21st Birthday
Okay, so unless you were born in 1995, this probably doesn't apply to you. But, for those of us turning 21 this year, it is very exciting. We have been waiting for this for, quite literally, our whole lives. Bring on those free drinks!
Summer Vacation
No school, trips to the beach, and sleeping in as late as you want? Yes, please.
Christmas Break
Everyone loves Christmastime, no matter what they tell you. You have time off from school, you get to eat your weight in cookies, you get cookies, and you get to spend time with loved ones. Nothing better.
Everything Else
There are an infinite amount of things that can and will happen in 2016 that are impossible to predict. Take it day by day and remember to enjoy the little things
If you had a bad year in 2015, take 2016 and make it yours. Make New Year's resolutions and stick to them. Work your butt off for what you want, shake off all the negative people in your life and make 2016 the best year yet. If 2015 was a good year for you, carry that over into the new year and continue enjoying life.
