For the most part, the year of 2016 has been a whirlwind of a year.
In 2016, we have faced mass shootings, natural disasters, political hysteria, terrorism, protests, fear, and anger. We’ve lost beloved cultural icons like Muhammad Ali, Prince and David Bowie, and so many more loved ones.
Despite that, I want to commemorate this year with what we have done to make this world a beautiful place.
1. The Juno spacecraft reached Jupiter
After an almost five-year journey to the solar system’s largest planet, NASA's Juno spacecraft successfully entered Jupiter’s orbit on July 4, 2016.
2. VR is finally a reality
Virtual reality has been in the works for many years to come. Finally, in 2016, virtual reality is becoming, well, a reality to consumers to buy and experience.
3. Thanks to the ice bucket challenge the gene responsible for ALS has been found
According to a study in Nature Genetics, researchers part of Project MinE’s global gene sequencing effort, funded by The ALS Association through ALS Ice Bucket Challenge donations, have identified a new ALS gene, NEK1, which now ranks among the most common genes that contribute to the disease, providing scientists with another potential target for therapy development.
4. Harriet Tubman is going to replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill
Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist who helped rescue slaves, in the late 1800s. was announced in 2016 to replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. Tubman would be the first woman to appear on the United States paper currency since Martha Washington’s portrait briefly graced the $1 silver certificate in the late 19th Century.
5. Leonardo DiCaprio wins his first Oscar
He is now truly, the King of the world. #OscarsSoLeo
6. Memes
What truly kept this country standing this year was the abundance of satirical memes about how tragic we are and I am grateful for that.
7. Netflix originals
From all the Marvel series, to Stranger Things, to The Get Down, Netflix has been killing the game.
8. Tiger population is increasing
The number of wild tigers has risen to nearly 3,900, thanks to enhanced protections and conservation commitments, a significant increase for the first time in over a Century.
9. Someone beat Cancer
That is always something to celebrate, right?
10. Hamilton picked up a record 16 Tony Award nominations
Work!
11. 2016 Rio Olympics
The Rio 2016 Olympic Games followed 17 days of competition between more than 10,900 athletes representing 206 nations. The Rio Games, which marked the first Olympics to be held in South America – and according to TeamUSA.org, saw Team USA top the medal chart in every category for only the seventh time in Olympic history and the first since 1948, leading all nations with 121 medals, including 46 golds, 37 silvers and 38 bronzes.
12. The first Latina is elected to US Senate
As a Nevada native myself, I was overjoyed that this was my state's decision.
13. The Harry Potter franchise continues
J.K Rowling strikes again and released not only a new book, but yet another magical adventure. In July of 2016, Rowling released the play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, following a November release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. What a magical year for Potterheads like myself.
14. A year of reboots and remakes
From Ghostbusters, to Gilmore Girls, this year was a year of nostalgia and nothing less than all of the feels.
15. Beyonce's Lemonade album
Beyonce makes me want to go to a club, possibly kill a man, start a family, spend all my money, and find God all at the same time. She took my soul this year, and I ain't sorry.
16. Pentagon is lifting the ban on transgender people serving openly in the US military
Defense Secretary, Ashton B. Carter, removed one of the final barriers to military service by lifting the Pentagon’s ban on transgender people serving openly in the armed forces. “Effective immediately, transgender Americans may serve openly,” Mr. Carter said. “They can no longer be discharged or otherwise separated from the military just for being transgender.”
17. Chicago Cubs win the World Series
The Cubs pulled off a thrilling win in 10 innings over the Indians to end their 108-year World Series title drought. The curse has been lifted!
18. Pokemon Go got everyone walking outside
We have been catching them all this year and we are far from done.
19. Superbowl 50
50 years of Superbowl is something to be happy about, right?
20. The world
Great things have happened to this world in 2016, and I am certain there will be even more in 2017.
