As 2017 begins, many of us are sighing in relief that 2016 came to an end. Most claimed it to be the worst year ever, with reasons ranging from Syria to Donald Trump to the deaths of Prince, Carrie Fisher, and other entertainment figures. However, before we push it all into the distant past, let us remember some of the good things that happened in 2016.
Rio Olympics
Although marred with a few controversies, Team USA brought home 121 medals, the most of any nation. That's something of which to be proud. Golden Bears brought home 21 of those medals. Go Bears!
Ebola Vaccine
An international team led by the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown the ‘rVSV-ZEBOV’ vaccine is 100% effective in preventing Ebola in its trials. This is a great leap forward into eradicating this virus once and for all.
SeaWorld Ends Orca Breeding Program
Leonardo DiCaprio and his Oscar
DiCaprio won Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in The Revenant. RIP DiCaprio memes, but a wonderful year for him.
ALS Breakthrough
The Ice Bucket Challenge may have seemed dumb, but it helped scientists find a gene linked to ALS. While not a cure, it is a step in the right direction.
Dakota Access Pipeline Victory
After weeks of protests, the protesters were victorious after the Department of the Army announced that it would not allow the pipeline to be drilled on tribal land.
This is only a short sampling of the good things that happened in 2016. While the worst things tend to stay fresh in our memory, it is easy to forget the small things. Babies being born, people finding love, birthdays being celebrated, etc. 2016 will always be good year to me because I found my current girlfriend here at Berkeley.
In short, don't forget the small things! The little joys in life is what makes life worth living, not the huge sensational events. Look forward to 2017, but never forget 2016.
man running in forestPhoto by 
