Dear Readers,

The year 2017 has been one to remember for me. This weekend marks a year since I have started on The Odyssey. I am so grateful to all of you for reading, sharing, and supporting my work. I hope you enjoyed reading my articles as much as I enjoyed creating them. It has been a very cool experience being able to share my thoughts with all of you. Besides being able to write, I also learned a ton about life, about myself, and I made so many memories.

This year, like most others, has had high points and low points. As usual, though, I was taught lessons on life through the ups, the downs, and the change— everything really does happen for a reason.

I learned that I can’t make everyone happy, no matter how hard I try. I learned that even when it seems like everything is going wrong, God will always take care of me.

I learned that although I might think something is right, the world has a different idea—I need to keep an open mind. I learned that if you really are interested in learning something, you pick it up quickly.

I learned that if you are scared to try something, you have to put yourself out there and try it because although it didn’t work for one person, it could work for you. I learned that things can change overnight—sometimes not the way you want them to—and you just have to handle it the best you can.

I learned that people come and go from our lives but that doesn’t mean we should forget the memories we made with them. I learned that hiding how you feel doesn’t work because the feelings will haunt you.

I learned that there should be balance to everything—especially your social and school life. Lastly, I learned that some people really do support and care about you, but some only do when it benefits them—you have to be careful.

I am sure there was a lot more I learned, and a lot more I will learn. This year has been a fun one, a different one, and one to remember. It had its moments, for sure, but everything comes with a lesson, so there is no need to agonize over the past.

Thank you to all of the people I have interacted with in 2017. You have all affected my life in some way. Thank you to my family and friends for your love, support, and care—I hope you know you have the same from me in return. Thank you to everyone who reads my articles—it means so much to be able to share them with you.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you have a happy and healthy 2018!