Do you have those memories from your early childhood that almost seem fake, but the only way you know it is real is because the memory never changes?

One of the two memories like that is the day my little brother was born; the other was in preschool. A magician had come in one day to perform for the kids of the preschool. We were all sitting there, criss-cross-applesauce, just like we had learned and staring wide eyed at the magician as he performed. My four-year-old mind just couldn't believe that he had pulled a rabbit out of an empty hat, or that he pulled so much money out of a girl's ear, (being in college, I wish that my ears had that capability now). A few weeks ago, my mind was blown, as if I was four years old again. Finals week was nearly over, and a vast majority of the students had moved back home for Christmas break. The few of us that stayed for the remainder of the week were in the cafeteria eating when one of the international students pulled out a deck of cards. He proceeded to show the table of mentally fried students four card tricks, each one getting more complex and blowing my mind every time. I knew that he would find the designated card, but that didn't stop the growing excitement my inner four-year-old was experiencing.

That excitement is still very real, and very much alive. As the New Year rapidly approaches, I cannot help notice that feeling of awe and excitement that keeps popping up through the years. It's presence never goes unnoticed during this time of year, looking back on the past twelve months: the happier moments, the sad and embarrassing moments, the moments of strength, moments that I grew the most.This feeling of anticipation and excitement for the unknown, much like the magic show my four year old self experienced, grows stronger with each passing thought of the upcoming year. Ideas and plans are hatched every time "2017" is mentioned, increasing the magic. I guess that's part of the magic in all honesty. Plans are forged and ideas emerge but change more dramatically than Michigan weather, we really never truly know what is next.

This year was definitely the year where plans didn't work out. I have learned that some people you think will be there for a very long time will pick up and leave without a second thought. I have learned that sometimes out of the darkest times, strangers that were never even on your radar will rise up and surprise you in unexpected ways. I have learned that people who stick with you through the thickest parts are the rare ones that don't come around very often. I have also learned that people aren't always against you, but mainly just for themselves. This year's magic is what helped me grow the most out of 19 years I have been alive.

The remaining hours of 2016 are rapidly ticking away and 2017 is just as quickly approaching. So as my last article of 2016, I welcome 2017 with no certainty that any of my plans for the future will pan out. I welcome 2017, ready for the magic this new year will bring.

I hope you guys are too.