As 2016 is starting to dwindle down, resolutions are beginning to form, memories start to unfold, and the hopes of the new year begin to emerge. This is the time of year where people become hopeful of the new year and believe that it is a fresh start to forget whatever difficulties or hard ships they had faced during the previous year. The common phrase “New year, New me” begins to get thrown around in reference to doing things that will better that someone, or the common assumption that better luck will come around in the next year. Although New Year’s is an exciting holiday that many look forward to, many people forget to reflect back on the previous year and begin to truly appreciate what they did have that year.

Here are a few things that I am Grateful I had/Learned in 2016:

1. Graduating from High School: Graduation is a huge milestone that many hope to get to. It was a time where all my hard work over the past 12 years had payed off as I walked across the stage and received my diploma.
2. Getting into College and being able to choose the One that I felt was right: People often forget how lucky they truly are to have some of the privileges that many don’t have. I was fortunate enough to be able to apply to over 10 schools, and choose the one that I felt was the best for me. This decision led me to Franklin Pierce University, where not only did I meet some of the most amazing people, but I also found out who I am as a person and where I want my future to be.
3. Family over everything: Family is the most important thing you can have. And many of us do not realize how lucky we are to have such amazing families. I know for sure, that I am beyond fortunate to have the family that I do. The love of families never alters, and they will always hold a special place in everyone’s hearts.
4. Good Health: Among the annoying coughs and colds, I can say, I am lucky no big illnesses occurred between myself and my family. I am thankful that this year, we all stayed healthy.
5. True friends: Heading off to college was a scary thing for me. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into or who I would come encountered with. But I ended up meeting some of the most amazing people in college that I know will be friends for a lifetime. I am also grateful for the friends I still have back at home.
6. If you went through a hard time: Reflect back on that hard time, but do not stay in that time. Look and see what went wrong and if you could’ve done something to fix that time. If not, move on and take this new year to make things right. But do not regret that hard time because it made you stronger.
7. You don’t always have to be nice: That’s a common problem I have; people always say I’m too nice. It is not a bad thing by any means, but I have learnt that people often take advantage of the “nice ones”. I have learnt you need to have a balance of being nice but making sure you still stick up for yourself. Thinking of yourself is important too.
8. Timing is everything: In life, things rarely go as you expect them to. When timing doesn’t add up, it’s the most annoying thing in the world, but it also needs to be taken as a sign. You have to trust that it is happening for a reason, because more often than not, it always is.
9. Enjoy the little things: In life, many people do not look and appreciate the little things in life. Try and enjoy the little things that you might not consider. For example, watching a Christmas movie with your parents or petting your dog.
10. Each year, you do change: I have noticed that every year that comes and goes; I have seen a change in myself and others. Which is okay. That does not mean we are changing completely but we are becoming one step closer in becoming who we were supposed to be.

I hope everyone learns to appreciate each and every year like it’s the last and just know things happen for a reason. Each year brings good and bad, and without those, you wouldn’t be who you are today. Happy New Years and I cannot wait to see what 2017 brings!