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2016 Wasn't All Bad

16 good things that happened in 2016.

Jan 03, 2017

Every year, towards the end, we all hope for next year to be better. I've seen people using hateful words towards 2016 on twitter, instagram and facebook. Let us take the time to remember the good things that happened in the past year.

1. The relationship between the United States and Cuba has improved.

President Obama was the first U.S. leader to visit Cuba in 88 years. Embassies have been opened and commercial flights to Cuba are available.

2. The Olympics with Simone Biles and Michael Phelps proving they are champions.

3. Sea World agreed to stop breeding captive killer whales.

Three years ago, the documentary "Blackfish", explained what happened during the death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau. Since then, there has been criticism on how SeaWorld treats their animals and they have agreed with the Humane Society of the United States to end their orca breeding program.

4. Ellen received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

5. Ice Bucket challenged raised funds for ALS research and awareness.

6. Leonardo DiCaprio won an Oscar.

7. Volunteers in India planted 50 million trees within 24 hours.

8. Shows like "Gilmore Girls" and "Full House" had new seasons on Netflix.

9. During the holiday season, Toys R Us offered quiet shopping hours for kids with autism.

10. Everyone fell in love with new tv shows including "Stranger Things" and "This Is Us".

11. The Cubs won the World Series.

12. McDonald's started serving breakfast all day.

13. Unemployment rate was at its lowest since the recession.

The unemployment rate in November fell to 4.6 percent, the lowest it's been in nine years.

14. Giant Pandas are no longer endangered.

Instead the species have been defined as "vulnerable" meaning that their population is growing because of poaching bans and expanding forest reserves.

15. Oprah Winfrey interviewed First Lady Michelle Obama.

In December, two of America's female role models were on screen together. Oprah Winfrey interviewed Michelle Obama while she prepares to exit the White House. The interview aired on CBS and covered a wide range of topics, but it was lovely to hear these two women talk about our country.

16. The population of tigers has risen for the first time in a century.

And there you have it. 16 good things that happened in 2016. While they might not outnumber the bad, there is always a bright side.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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2016 Wasn't All Bad

16 good things that happened in 2016.

1. The relationship between the United States and Cuba has improved.

2. The Olympics with Simone Biles and Michael Phelps proving they are champions.

3. Sea World agreed to stop breeding captive killer whales.

4. Ellen received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

5. Ice Bucket challenged raised funds for ALS research and awareness.

6. Leonardo DiCaprio won an Oscar.

7. Volunteers in India planted 50 million trees within 24 hours.

8. Shows like "Gilmore Girls" and "Full House" had new seasons on Netflix.

9. During the holiday season, Toys R Us offered quiet shopping hours for kids with autism.

10. Everyone fell in love with new tv shows including "Stranger Things" and "This Is Us".

11. The Cubs won the World Series.

12. McDonald's started serving breakfast all day.

13. Unemployment rate was at its lowest since the recession.

14. Giant Pandas are no longer endangered.

15. Oprah Winfrey interviewed First Lady Michelle Obama.

16. The population of tigers has risen for the first time in a century.

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Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

1. What do you do for a living?

2. What's your favorite color?

3. Do you have any siblings?

4. What's your favorite television show?

5. When is your birthday?

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

13. What is your ideal date night?

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

16. Do you have any tattoos?

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

19. What's the best gift you have ever received?

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

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Doing the friendly wave to every boat you pass.

The cooler is always packed, mostly with beer.

Giving the idiot who goes 30 in a "No Wake Zone" a piece of your mind.

You have no problem with peeing in the water.

You know the frustration of getting your anchor stuck.

Watching in awe at the bigger, better boats that pass by.

Knowing any swimsuit that you own with white in it is best left for the pool or the ocean.

The momentary fear for your life as you get launched from the tube.

You're able to go to the restaurants by the water wearing minimal clothing.

Having unexpected problems with your boat.

Having a name for your boat unique to you and your life.

There's no better place you'd rather be in the summer.

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

1. My school is incredibly unique.

2. I am not just a number at my school.

3. I feel like I am contributing something to the community.

5. My professors know me and I feel that I can easily communicate with them.

6. The incredible people I've met

7. Opportunities

8. Students want to learn

9. Ability to join a sorority and have a house full of people I know I can talk to anytime I need to

10. I have figured out how I learn best because my school offers so many different ways of learning.

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