It's the end of 2017.

This year was crazier than most: I watched a reality star be sworn into presidency, I watched and cried as Charlottesville become a battle zone because of unnecessary oppression, I watched as neo-nazism became a trend in the media and society, I prayed and prayed that the hate going towards black athletes who chose to take a knee would turn into concern as to WHY they felt the need to do this, I endured seeing my mother hospitalized as I was four hours away in Chicago, I moved to Chicago, I dated someone who ripped my entire world and being apart and then pulled it all back together piece by piece, I started going to therapy, I graduated from High School, I endured hateful criticism over my beliefs for the first time in my life.

I have seen so many ups and almost as twice as many downs this year. I have been tested in ways I didn’t think I ever would be, but I am still here.

2017 rocked my world.

I didn’t decide to grow up, I was forced to because of moving to college and because of situations I have endured. I experienced more in 2017 than I have in my entire life. I went from being a naive little girl to starting down a path toward adulthood (while still being naive). I, of course, am not there yet and I am not on my own yet, but I finally have some understanding of how difficult this life is but, also, how absolutely worth it is.

Going into 2018, I am so hopeful for what is to come for me. I have finally begun to figure out who I want to be, I am the most confident I have ever been in my life, I have become less and less afraid to share my opinions and ideas with others, I am not afraid to challenge people and their ideas anymore, and, most importantly, I have some of the most exceptional friends in the entire world who will always be willing to do anything with me and for me.

It’s amazing how right when the year transitioned my entire mindset transitioned. I am so full of hope and happiness for the future, I feel love towards everyone, and I am beyond excited to take on this second semester of college.

America has been through a lot and I have been through a lot, but what we all need to hold onto is hope and love. These two things are what is going to hold both myself, my friends, my family, and this country together. This year we need to focus on looking to God and thanking him for this life, and we need to start looking at each other with respect and admiration and love, no matter the race or gender. I have high hopes for 2018. Tough situations will inevitably occur this year economically, socially, and personally, but I know that I have the strength to face them, and so does everyone else in this confused yet beautiful country.