This year's news was filled with stories of mass shootings, ISIS, and political scandals, so it's easy to believe that we'll only remember 2015 as a bad year. However, here are a few things that happened in 2015 to celebrate! Look back on these and smile as we enter 2016.
1. Jamie Brewer walked the runway!
2. "Hamilton" rocked Broadway.
Lin Manuel Miranda's masterpiece of a musical, "Hamilton," debuted on Broadway in 2015, and it's since taken the theater world by storm. The show follows founding father Alexander Hamilton as he immigrates to America, fights in the Revolutionary War, becomes in charge of America's Treasury, and dodges countless political attacks. You may think history is a bore, but Manuel makes it interesting with hip-hop music and Cabinet Meeting rap battles. The show also stars a melting pot cast made up of all different races and genders. Shows are completely sold out, meaning "Hamilton" is making history...again.
3. Gas was cheap.
It was a Thanksgiving miracle. Gas prices this holiday season were the lowest we've seen in seven years. An estimated 46.9 million Americans were estimated to have traveled to celebrate Thanksgiving, and most of them took cars. With gas prices low, a lot of happy travelers could be found on the roads in November of 2015.
4. The United States Women's national soccer team dominated!
Whoever thought women's sports was boring was proved wrong this summer. The U.S. Women's national soccer team defeated Japan 5-2 and took home the Women's World Cup title! The excitement happened the day after America's Independence Day, making it a fitting victory for the hardworking team. With the win, the U.S. also became the first country to win the coveted title three times. Patriotism was at an all time high after watching these women dominate the field.
5. NASA found water on Mars.
"The Martian" may have been a popular movie this year, but it wasn't the only news stemming from the Red Planet in 2015. In September, NASA released an official statement announcing that liquid water had been found on Mars. The scientific discovery is important toward the quest of finding life on Mars and possibly supporting life on Mars in the future. Surely this finding will lead to more knowledge about the planet.
6. The Force Awakened!
Speaking of space, this Christmas we were transported back to the galaxy far, far away. Director J.J. Abrams pulled off the impossible and delivered the best "Star Wars" movie since the '70s. The film jumpstarted the careers of fresh-faced actors and reunited beloved old faces as well. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" also set records, becoming the fastest movie to earn $1 billion. It even garnered a Critic's Choice Awards nomination for Best Movie weeks after 10 original nominees had officially been announced. The success is certainly well deserved, as it combines action, heart, and nostalgia to capture audiences of kids and kids at heart.
7. The issue of refugees finally came to the forefront.
It's true that the Syrian refugee crisis is a tragedy, but the fact that the world is finally addressing it is something to celebrate. Syria has been in turmoil ever since the Syrian Civil War began in 2011. Therefore, the refugee crisis has been an issue since before 2015. However, this year, the world finally paid attention. Countries still debate about what kind of action to take, but many people have raised money, offered shelter, and started fighting for the safety of the millions of refugees facing violence, lack of food, and no homes. The issue won't disappear in 2016, and let's make sure we help more refugees in the years to come.
