So, 2016 wasn't what you had hoped, and that's okay. I have always been a believer in the notion that everything happens for a reason, the good and the bad. Everyone has a purpose and people are born at times in which the world could most use their talents and influence. In the event that I haven't convinced you that, maybe, perhaps, 2016 wasn't as bad as we are making it out to be, here is a list of events and other things that happened in 2016 that were actually kind of awesome.
1. The Cavaliers won a championship
The Cleveland Cavaliers winning a championship is one of the greatest things that could have happened to the entire state of Ohio this year (yes, I said entire state). The win has brought a renewed interest in the city of Cleveland from people other than those that live in Ohio.
2. President Obama became the first POTUS to visit Cuba since 1928
3. San Francisco is the first city to mandate paid paternity leave
4. Leonardo DiCaprio wins his first Oscar
After what seems to be an eternity, Leo finally won his Oscar this year.
5. "Hamilton: An American Musical" wins 11 Tony Awards
If you're as obsessed with "Hamilton" as I am, you have all of the songs memorized, follow members of the casts on twitter, and have tickets to one of the shows. This musical which has revolutionized (see what I did there?) the way many people view Broadway and live theater, won 11 Tony Awards, and we owe it all to Lin-Manuel Miranda. I don't know about you, but I for one can't wait to see what this talented artist does in 2017.
6. Hillary Clinton was the first woman to be nominated by a major U.S. party. (Whatever side you were on, this is still a major accomplishment).
7. Jack Thorne, John Tiffany, and J.K. Rowling release "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."
With everything that went on during 2016, at least we got some new Potter, eh? Not only the book, but a play, and the movie "Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them."
8. Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan pledge $3 billion to medical research.
And there you have it! The not so suck-y side of 2016. Sure, a lot has happened this year, influential people have died and a screaming carrot demon is now the president of the United States. But going into 2017, we have a lot to look forward to as well, the end of using Harambe as a meme, more incredible music, movies, and great times with friends and family.
