I have seen so many negative comments about this past year, but I, personally, have so many reasons to be ecstatic with the way 2016 unfolded. Although there were bumps in the road, looking back on these 366 (leap year, of course) days brings nothing but an abundance of great memories.

I have grown in ways that I never imagined possible, whether it was from academics or from my many different relationships. This year has taught me life lessons that will be hard to top in the year to come. I have learned to be patient with things I desire because great things come with time. I have learned to stay motivated and never to take shortcuts in any path I choose. Most importantly, I have learned to be grateful for the amazing life I have been blessed with and to never take a day for granted.

Without a doubt, 2016 has brought me the most incredible opportunities in many areas of my life. I have chosen to branch out of my comfort zone and join organizations that have changed my life. I have met lifelong friends through those different involvements and gained many connections that will be ideal for my future.

I can look back on this year and be thankful for my growing friendships, the health of my family, and the endless possibilities that I have for the road to come. I won't sit here and say that all 366 days were a walk in a park, but the minuscule problems that I faced stand no chance to the overall year.

Excluding the problems out of my control; from possibly the craziest presidential campaign to ever hit America, to the many societal issues we face every single day, I know that 2016 has graced me with many internal accomplishments.

So thank you, 2016. Thank you for showing me to always stay strong in my beliefs. Thank you for proving to me that everything happens for a reason and to never doubt myself. Thank you for giving me a brighter day when I wanted to give up. Thank you for not being as bad for me as it seems to be for a lot of other people.

I hope that 2017 shows 2016 up, I really do. But for now, I am overjoyed to say that I, against popular opinion, thought 2016 was absolutely amazing.