Dear 2016,

It’s easy to say thank you for all of the positive things that have happened this year: my loving family, the amazing people I have met, the late nights spent out with friends, the gifts I have given and received, the roof over my head, good health…

But it’s vital to be thankful for the unpleasant things, too. So here’s to that:

Thank you, 2016, for all of the negative energy you have brought into my life. You have handed me some of the snobbiest, rudest people I have ever encountered. For days, I dealt with their snarky comments and insults. Without them, though, I wouldn’t be as strong as I am today. I wouldn’t know how to stand up for myself. Most importantly, I now know who deserves to be a part of my life. Those who do never fail to bring me endless laughter and smiles. They have proved to me that I truly am loved and cared for.

Thank you, 2016, for cursing me with challenging classes. It sucks knowing that I will never get the countless numbers of hours I spent studying or doing homework. It’s tough seeing all of my friends going out and having to stay in to study. But the cramps in my hands and migraines I got were only temporary; my transcript will now be glowing for ever. Now, I can also manage my time better and work hard in order to keep it lustrous.

Thank you, 2016, for all of the heartbreak and boy drama. Going through a rollercoaster of emotions is nothing but nauseating. Through the ups and downs, I have learned to love myself even if it seems like no one else does. I have learned that you do not need a man to be happy; you should not base your self-worth on what the opposite gender thinks of you. I now know that whoever falls for me will take me for who I am. I learned that sometimes, guys are worth the wait...damn, I am beyond happy I waited.

Thank you, 2016, for all of my failures throughout the year. Being upset over missed opportunities is an understatement. Putting in a ton of effort and getting absolutely nothing in return is disappointing. Looking back on my lack of success, though, has helped me grow stronger. I have accepted my flaws and I am now working towards improvement. Everything happens for a reason. A door closes so another one can open. These paths were not the ones God chose for me and my failures are guiding me towards the right one.

So thank you, 2016, for both the good and the bad. Without these instances, I would not be where I am today. You were one for the book that is life, and 2017 is solely just the beginning another chapter.