2017 has been the roughest, and also best year of my life. Here are 17 things I've learned from this tumultuous year.

1. When you feel like your life is over, (try to) distract yourself by continuing to do the things you love to do.

Let's face it, musical practice is going to be a lot more productive (and give you more purpose) than sitting in your room watching Youtube. And speaking of Youtube...

2. No video will fill the void inside you.

I'm serious. While binge-watching Gilmore Girls, rewatching that cringe-worthy children's movie that you'll eventually do a fanfiction of, and watch countless movie reviews may numb you and tire you so you won't have to lie in bed thinking about how horrible your life is, it won't fix anything in the long run.

3. Continue to talk to your friends and get to know new people

You might make fun memories that you'll always treasure.

4. YES, YOU CAN FEEL HAPPY AGAIN

It doesn't take a village. It may only take one person who gets you.

5. You're nervous because it's important to you. You cry because it's important to you.

Having emotions doesn't make you weak.

6. You never know who is going to become important to you in the future

You can go from introducing them to a new musical to becoming like sisters.

7. Sometimes you grow apart a little from some people but are still cool with them and that's cool.

You'll always value your good moments together.

8. Never let people forget you

You are important.

9. You have a bigger influence than you think

So use that influence for good.

10. Always value the kindness of others

It's not as common as you hoped it would be.

11. Being in your last year of school can make you brave and do really amazing things that the freshman you wouldn't have dreamed of

Hold on to that feeling as long as you can.

12. Not everyone is going to stand up for you. In fact, they may not see that you're right

However, that doesn't mean that you're wrong.

13. If you are willing to stand the f**ck up for someone else, you should also be willing to do so for yourself

Whether it's a sassy musical Flipagram or calling out injustices on social media.

14. You deserve all the things you want in life

And don't let anyone make you feel like you don't.

15. Appreciate the good people in your life

Show them how much you care.

16. MST3K is cool

No explanation needed.

17. Doing nice things for people makes you feel good

In the end, if it's for them, other people's opinions of it shouldn't matter.