Dear 2016,

You were far from perfect. You gave me a chance to grow and to discover parts of myself I never knew existed. I have learned to love myself and build great connections with my friends. What this year has taught me the most is to never give up.

College is a time where everyone is pushed to their limits. After a while, those limits makes us stronger. I became stronger this past year. I've realized my weaknesses and I've dealt with loss within myself. I struggled with finding the right path for myself. I began my journey as double major in English and Journalism, realizing slowly that I hated journalism and the conformity. My perspective shifted away from this concept of me being a journalist to this dream of becoming a teacher. I wanted to make a difference and it wasn't going to be exactly through writing. This past semester I took various of Africana studies courses to understand my heritage more. I began to understand that I have to fight for what I want. I've realized more about myself as a black young woman, than any other part of my life. Society has placed a stigma on black men and women determining that they won't account for anything. I'm finally beginning to see the place I want in this world. I know nothing ever comes easy. I want to succeed and not settle for mediocrity. The color of my skin puts me at disadvantage. I don't want to prove people wrong. I want to prove to myself that anything is possible.

So for this new year, there's no new me. I do not plan on changing, but only growing from the person I am. I want to understand more about myself. I want to be more vocal about what I want out of life and not be afraid. Last year allowed to me to understand myself. This year I want to push my limits. Step out of my comfort zone. I need to conquer my fears, because only then can I succeed. I hope that I have a chance to accomplish all I can in this year. I want to leave my mark on this ground I stand on. This will only lead to growth and maturity. With any mistakes I make along the way, I only hope I get stronger.

This also the year I graduate, so I have already been blessed these past four years. I'm not the same person I was four years ago. Life has been nothing but a journey. I cannot wait to see what life will be after May. Thank you to 2016 for giving me a chance to understand myself. I hope 2017 is another blessing.

Amanda