2016 has become notorious on the Internet as the "Worst Year Ever." With the recent passing of Carrie Fisher, the humanitarian crisis in Syria, and, for millions, the disappointing results of the election, 2016 has just been too much for some. However, as an eternal optimist, I can’t help but notice the silver lining in these times. The world has accomplished changes as large as medical breakthroughs and as small as the invention of environmentally-friendly edible spoons this year. As we say goodbye to a challenging year and now prepare for the coming one, these are some things we can be grateful to 2016 for:

1. The First Female Presidential Candidate Nominated by a Major Political Party.

Regardless of the political party you identify with, the symbolic gesture of a woman finally becoming a presidential candidate for a major political party is incredible. One step for woman, one giant leap for womankind.

2. Boko Haram Released 21 Girls.

Some of you may remember the 2014 #BringBackOurGirls movement in response to Boko Haram’s kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Nigeria. In October, the Nigerian government secured a deal with Boko Haram to release 21 of these girls back to their families — I’d say that’s worth gratitude when we're reflecting on this past year.

3. Ellen Won The Presidential Medal of Freedom.

My hero. Not just because she’s funny, but because I heard her say “just keep swimming” once — a saying I rely upon even today in times of adversity.

4. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Was Released.

Once an HP fan, always an HP fan.

5. Leonardo DiCaprio Finally Won An Oscar.

FINALLY. After the 2015 Oscars, Tumblr, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter were flooded with Leo memes and gifs expressing outrage at the award results. Luckily, the 2016 Academy Awards brought us the outcome we’ve all been waiting for since "Titanic."

6. The World’s First Effective Ebola Vaccine Was Developed.

This one was more recent but a study released revealed an ebola vaccine that has actually proven effective. For some of us who are not as affected by ebola, this sounds like … good news, I guess. But for those in other affected parts of the world, this vaccine is likely a matter of life or death. Thank you, 2016.

7. "Finding Dory" Was Released.

For millennials, "Finding Nemo" was a big part of our early years. I still remember it as the first movie I watched with my family in high definition on our new TV, the animations so bright and clear. 15 years later, "Finding Dory" marked the next milestone in our lives.

8. Pokémon Go Was Released.

To put it simply, I don’t understand this game and I probably never will. People running off to different parts of campus or their homes to capture weird animals just doesn’t sound like my idea of a good time. Apparently, the rest of the world disagrees with me because Pokémon Go has become a reference in 2016.