As we complete our first two weeks of 2018, we are settling into something new.

We are looking for a lot of things.

Thousands of people are finalizing their resolutions, hoping they reach their goals. Mostly, they're looking for something to change. Some are just craving a do-over.

But here is what I wish for this year, in 2018.

I hope for peace.

I wish this world would get along one day. Everything would be at least a little simpler if we all learned to be civil with one another.

I hope for acceptance.

This world, especially this country, is too sensitive. Today, I think we struggle with accepting everyone for who they are. I don't know why it's so hard.

I hope for love.

I wish we all loved one another. Love overpowers hate, and hate is what's breaking us apart, separating us from the true reality.

These are all very broad wishes, hopes, and dreams. It's what I want for the world and our country.

But what do I want for me? What do I want for the loved ones in my life?

I hope I can follow through with my own resolution of watching what I eat and exercising every day. I have never had a goal that has lasted more than a week, so I'm happy with that.

I hope I can still maintain my academic achievements. 2018 started with Dean's List for the third semester in a row.

I hope I can fight back when I've been beaten down.

I wish one day the ones who have wronged me will realize that blood was thicker than water. I hope their guilt consumes them, but I also hope it saves them from hurting anyone else.

Also, I want them to cross paths with that realization; when will enough be enough?

I wish for my siblings to succeed in their future endeavors. I really hope they don't give up on their dreams.

I wish that the violence ends and the grudges come loose.

I hope for the cure of all cancers.

I really hope I don't take things too seriously this year. I tend to hold myself accountable for a lot of things that I can't change. Letting loose is the way to go.

Each day is a new one, so I must not forget that it's only a bad day, not a bad life.

I hope for more and more happiness for myself and my family. I know there will be ups and downs, but I wish that the good times will overcome the bad times.

I don't ask for much, but I can already feel that 2018 will be one of the best years. I can't wait to see what it holds.