2017 has been a sh*tfest for the books, to put it lightly. We all know this to be true. Beyond our own personal highs and lows this year (mentally and physically) this past year has been historic for our country.

And, in many ways, it's been historic for the absolute worst reasons. With that said, and with the start of a new year, I find it important now more than ever to reflect on the good things that have happened this year, as just a reminder that there is still light at the end of the tunnel, and good amongst the evil.

1. 80 bystanders joined together to form a human chain and rescue a family on a Florida beach

2. Due to support from the "ice bucket challenge," an Israeli scientist discovered a new treatment for ALS

3. Southwest Airlines flew a plane full of abandoned puppies to save them from Hurricane Harvey

4. Scientists invented a spray gun that shoots stem cells onto severe burn victims to regrow their damaged skin without scars

5. Students at Boca Raton Community High School in Florida started a club so no one at their school had to eat lunch alone

The stories and events may seem small, but they're proof and a reminder that good people still exist, and that seemingly ordinary individuals still carry the power to create positive change.

Despite everything that has happened and may continue to occur, we can never forget the power of one, the power of community, and the power of good hearts.