2016 was without a doubt the worst year the U.S. has had in a long time; we have gone through so much heartache as a country that I really don’t know if we can take anymore bad news. Not only have I seen personal struggles with friends and family, but I have also witnessed all the tragedies that have occurred around the globe. With the wars, protests, and general sadness that has been consuming news stations it’s hard to find the good in the terrible year that is 2016. And just when you think it’s over with, a beloved celebrity dies.

2016 started off pretty decent, could have been better but you know you get what you get; the annual New Year’s resolutions were in full swing and everyone around the world was hopeful about the New Year. The classic “new year, new me” caption had been used approximately 60 billion times; people were so ready to make the year their best yet. However, we would all soon find out that the New Year would not be the best yet. The first hiccup was the election process was underway and it came down to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump as the primary candidates. The Hilary supporters were confidant that she would win, but then again so were the Trump supporters even though there was a lot (still is) going against him. Later, news breaks that David Bowie and Alan Rickman had passed away. Both men were icons for the world. At this point we’re sad, but life goes on.

Now we’re getting into it; as 2016 sadly moves forward, the increase of protestors around the United States gets more and more intense. It’s what the media likes to talk about the most, riots in cities causing chaos and useless killing. If that doesn’t make you cry let’s throw in another celebrity death: Prince. Another icon, another forward thinking influencer has passed away. This sparked outrage in every community. Prince was more than just an amazing musician; he was personal, kind, and fun in every way. You will never meet a person that doesn’t like him. After that we started to question life a little bit, rightfully so because after his death there was the Orlando shooting; an absolute horrific event that will forever be engraved into our minds. 2016 has been rough but we still have hopes at this point after seeing the nation come together to support the victims and the survivors of the shooting. Oh but wait, Muhammad Ali and Christina Grimmie died. Now there is just little to hold on to.

August is now here and school has started. Students everywhere are determined to make the upcoming semester a good one. But wait, 2016 just keeps getting worse because Gene Wilder died. Willy Wonka fans everywhere weep. But hey, come on don’t let this get to you. You have to push through; I mean the year is almost over! Then comes November. And the nation is officially divided into two sides: Hilary and Donald. Fortunately for his supporters, unfortunately for literally everyone else in the world, he won. I have never seen more people collectively cry over an election. It really was a devastating time for most, not all, but a lot. Want to cry even more? The Brady Bunch mom dies. Possibly one of the most comforting TV moms has passed in our time of need.

Finally December rolls around! We can get through this, just a few more days; let’s all hold hands and just pray that this doesn’t get any worse. It does get worse! Why would it not get worse?! Carrie Fisher died recently. Honestly I don’t know how we made it through this terrible, horrible, awful year. Who knows, maybe the madness isn't over yet.