Dear 2016,

Well, I can’t necessarily say we’ll be starting on the best note -- hung over and reeking of champagne and regret (hey, New Year’s Eve only comes around once a year). Even though I won’t be feeling so hot on the first day of 2016, the idea of a new year is refreshing. With the start of a new year comes a number of opportunities. Here’s to you, 2016, and all you have to offer.

We can reflect on goals we achieved in the previous year.

2015 was a good run. OK, maybe I never got around to that whole diet idea. And maybe I never made much use of that gym membership. But, I have to say, I did a heck of a lot in the past year. I racked up a multitude of memories and made close relationships. I became more of the person that I want to be. I made my fair share of mistakes, don’t get me wrong. However, all of these mishaps have helped to shape me into a better version of myself. I know it sounds funny, but I’m extremely grateful for every single screw-up in the long run.

We can set new goals.

The great thing about a new year is that I can learn a lot. Like I said, I’ve made quite a few wrong choices over the past year. However, based on these mistakes I learned a lot about myself. I also learned how to react to future situations. While I better myself with each coming day, there is always room for improvement. I know it sounds cheesy, but I truly want to live up the resolutions I set for this coming year. 2016, you can expect a lot from me in the near future.

We are all granted to chance to turn a new leaf and start over.

Yes, we all giggle at the overused “new year, new me” mantra. But when it comes down to it, it’s really a good phrase to live by. 2016, you are my opportunity to start over, clean slate. I can reinvent myself. You inspire me to make changes in my life that I wouldn’t be able to accomplish overnight. The idea of a whole new year has allowed me to implement long-term changes. For example, I can’t change my GPA in a matter of a few days. That’s something I have to work at from day one. Thanks to you, 2016, I can get a head start on that. And maybe I do want to go about changing my lifestyle. Thanks to this fresh start, I can work at developing healthier habits.

2016, give me your best shot. I'm jumping in head first. I know you're expecting a lot from me, but I expect big things from you as well over the next 12 months. Time seems to be flying lately, but I can promise you that I will stop to cherish every one of your days. I will make the most of the time you offer me.