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2016 Wasn't All Bad

16 good things that happened in 2016.

Jan 03, 2017

Every year, towards the end, we all hope for next year to be better. I've seen people using hateful words towards 2016 on twitter, instagram and facebook. Let us take the time to remember the good things that happened in the past year.

1. The relationship between the United States and Cuba has improved.

President Obama was the first U.S. leader to visit Cuba in 88 years. Embassies have been opened and commercial flights to Cuba are available.

2. The Olympics with Simone Biles and Michael Phelps proving they are champions.

3. Sea World agreed to stop breeding captive killer whales.

Three years ago, the documentary "Blackfish", explained what happened during the death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau. Since then, there has been criticism on how SeaWorld treats their animals and they have agreed with the Humane Society of the United States to end their orca breeding program.

4. Ellen received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

5. Ice Bucket challenged raised funds for ALS research and awareness.

6. Leonardo DiCaprio won an Oscar.

7. Volunteers in India planted 50 million trees within 24 hours.

8. Shows like "Gilmore Girls" and "Full House" had new seasons on Netflix.

9. During the holiday season, Toys R Us offered quiet shopping hours for kids with autism.

10. Everyone fell in love with new tv shows including "Stranger Things" and "This Is Us".

11. The Cubs won the World Series.

12. McDonald's started serving breakfast all day.

13. Unemployment rate was at its lowest since the recession.

The unemployment rate in November fell to 4.6 percent, the lowest it's been in nine years.

14. Giant Pandas are no longer endangered.

Instead the species have been defined as "vulnerable" meaning that their population is growing because of poaching bans and expanding forest reserves.

15. Oprah Winfrey interviewed First Lady Michelle Obama.

In December, two of America's female role models were on screen together. Oprah Winfrey interviewed Michelle Obama while she prepares to exit the White House. The interview aired on CBS and covered a wide range of topics, but it was lovely to hear these two women talk about our country.

16. The population of tigers has risen for the first time in a century.

And there you have it. 16 good things that happened in 2016. While they might not outnumber the bad, there is always a bright side.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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2016 Wasn't All Bad

16 good things that happened in 2016.

1. The relationship between the United States and Cuba has improved.

2. The Olympics with Simone Biles and Michael Phelps proving they are champions.

3. Sea World agreed to stop breeding captive killer whales.

4. Ellen received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

5. Ice Bucket challenged raised funds for ALS research and awareness.

6. Leonardo DiCaprio won an Oscar.

7. Volunteers in India planted 50 million trees within 24 hours.

8. Shows like "Gilmore Girls" and "Full House" had new seasons on Netflix.

9. During the holiday season, Toys R Us offered quiet shopping hours for kids with autism.

10. Everyone fell in love with new tv shows including "Stranger Things" and "This Is Us".

11. The Cubs won the World Series.

12. McDonald's started serving breakfast all day.

13. Unemployment rate was at its lowest since the recession.

14. Giant Pandas are no longer endangered.

15. Oprah Winfrey interviewed First Lady Michelle Obama.

16. The population of tigers has risen for the first time in a century.

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May the odds be ever in your favor.

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

1. You feel like an elder.

2. You may feel lonely.

3. Senioritis is more real than ever.

4. You may feel a little down sometimes.

5. Fear of missing out won't be as real.

6. You are a college pro.

7. You'll have more free time.

8. You're happy you're still in school.

9. You feel like a guru.

10. You continue to grow.

You can't say that no one told you life was gonna be this way.

1. When dealing with people is too difficult.

2. When food is the best part of your day.

...you can't ever say no to it

3. When you meet new people.

4. When you're the third wheel.

5. When life is tough but you're trying to hold it together.

6. When you're the brunt of a joke.

7. When you're too broke for food.

8. When your judgment could be better.

9. When you're not great at socializing.

10. When honesty is the best policy.

11. When you accept your flaws.

12. When work is not going well.

13. When you skip the gym.

14. When you over think.

15. When you swipe right.

16. When you get a crush.

17. When no major life event is happening

"I don't want to do things. I want to do not things."

1. When your advisor tells you that you should declare a major soon.

2. Seeing the lost and confused freshmen and remembering that was you a short year ago, and now being grateful you know the ins and outs of the campus.

3. Going to the involvement fair to sign up for more clubs knowing that you are already too involved.

4. When you actually do the reading required for the first class.

5. Seeing your friends for the first time since last semester.

6. When you're already drowning in homework during syllabus week.

7. Realizing you don't have the same excitement for classes as you did as a freshman.

8. Going home and seeing people from high school gets weirder the older you get.

9. You've already established your de-stress routine.

10. Wondering where all the new freshman came from.

11. But ultimately being glad that you have a lot more knowledge than you did a year ago.

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