Dear 2015,

It's hard to believe you're already coming to a close. It doesn't seem fair that you should have to be over already and let 2016 push its way in. But since we're celebrating another turn around the sun, I suppose it's only fair to give you some recognition.

Thanks 2015 for new friendships. Nothing is harder than saying goodbye to old friends. Thank you a million times for giving me the confidence to say a well deserved goodbye to the friendships that only served to pour negativity into my life.

Thanks 2015 for giving me a reason to be alive. It's hard sometimes to remember there's a future beyond finals and dead-end jobs and countless hours of studying in the library. Thank you for reminding me that those hours and hours of homework are preparing me for an actual career and life beyond college.

Thanks 2015 for new beginnings. It's crazy to think that only 3 years ago I was in high school wishing there was a way out. I think it's taken me almost this long to figure out how to stand up for myself and refuse to be a doormat. So thanks 2015.

Thanks 2015 for the hardships. Nothing tests strength or teaches strength like hardship. "Through it all it is well." Sometimes you gotta remind yourself that you're only 20 years old and you've got a lot of living and learning left and it's okay that you have no idea what you're doing and no idea where you're going. Don't apologize for it.

Thanks 2015. Thank you for showing me that working two jobs and going to school and spending 6 weeks in Alaska is going to be so freakin' worth it in the end.

So while 2016 looms ahead and i'll join the choruses of "2016 will be the best year yet", i'll think to myself that even though 2015 was maybe the worst year of my life, it was really the best. While so much happened in 2015 that I should relish in the very idea of 2016, I'll secretly thank 2015 for everything it had to offer.

Much love,

Kirsten