Okay, this year has been really weird. I completed my first year of college in May, I went to London alone and I found out that having your heart stomped on is not such a great feeling. How did this happen in a span of 12 months? It seems like such a short time yet so long at the same time.

Even though I’ve felt more of the downs I’ve had this year, some amazing thing have happened as well. My brother graduated from college, I went to London alone, I dyed the tips of my hair turquoise (my official induction into the mermaid club), I learned how to do a shoulder stand in yoga and I’ve met so many amazing people that are now some of the most important people in my life.

Although a lot of my fear and anxieties overtake large portions of my life, I’ve realized how fleeting time has been. My second semester of college flew by (shout out to those three blizzards, am I right?), my six weeks abroad flew by, and this semester? Not even sure I was even in class. And the greatest part? I’ve learned so much along the way (yes, including the classes I’m not sure I was in).

I’ve learned never to trust a softboy, I’ve learned that feminism is the only thing you can be true to, and I’ve learned that yes, I can live abroad and take care of myself. I’ve learned that dogs, Drake, and long walks in the woods really improve my mood. I’ve learned that all the feelings and thoughts I share when I write these, other people share too. It’s an amazing thing being able to connect so well with people.

Despite my mistakes and stumbles I’ve had this year, they’ve all been great learning opportunities. I’ve learned that I run away from things when they get too hard, I’ve learned that my anxiety doesn’t define me at all, and I’ve learned that Tinder isn’t the way to find the man of my dreams.

Without 2015, we wouldn’t have the whip and nae nae dance, we wouldn’t have hoverboards, no Kanye 2020 and definitely not Trump running for president. Sometimes it’s great knowing that theres so much more you can do with life and yourself. I hope 2016 shows me what I’m actually here to do. I hope I can do it. I know I can.