It's crazy to think 12 months can fly by so quickly. In the past year, I've had time to make new friends while managing to lose a few old ones, graduate from high school and start a brand new life at college, take on new leadership positions and jobs while continuing a few I already had, and countless other things.

It seems weird to think about how different I'm ending 2017 from how it began. There were good moments and there were great moment. There were bad moments and their were awful moments. But as the year comes to a close, I look back and realize that everything that happened, happened for a reason.

At the beginning of this year, I was still just a high school student who couldn't wait to graduate and move on to bigger and better things. Now, I'm half way through my freshman year of college and have received so many opportunities to fulfill my dreams. I feel as if I can finally start working toward my future goals and that is such an incredible feeling. It brings so much happiness. Sure, it's extremely stressful but when you keep your eyes on the prize, it becomes well worth it.

My favorite part about reminiscing on this year is knowing that the people I started 2017 with that mean the most to me, I can take with me into 2018. And the people I met this year that I would like to carry with me for a lifetime can also be there with me to ring in the new year.

At the end of the day, or year for this matter, as long as I have the people that help me stay focused, motivate me, care for me, and love me, then those are the people I want to carry with me from year to year. I've lost many along the way but the ones that were meant to be there have stayed and I'm forever grateful for that.

It's weird thinking about New Years. After 365 days, we are basically given the opportunity to start all over again. Forget everything bad that happened in those past days and only remember the good. And with the celebrate of New Years, we are given the opportunity to throw a party with all the people we want to welcome 2018 in with, eat lots but drink even more, and be as happy as a clam. Not to mention, the partying will help forget most of the bad things so if 2017 wasn't your year, be sure to do lots of that before 2018 arrives.

So, be happy 2017 has come and gone. If it was a bad year, make 2018 better. If it was a good year, then celebrate and be hopeful that 2018 will be just as wonderful. Hold the ones you love tight, thank them for being by your side, and kiss your significant other. Here's to a great new year!