I’m sure I am not alone in saying that 2016 had its ups and its downs. It was a pretty rocky year, with an election, loss of many famous icons, and crisis across the globe. At the beginning of every new year, everyone is optimistic that it will be a good one and they will make it “their year.” And I am sure that it was that way for some people. But for others, 2017 will be a new start, and hopefully be deemed “their year.” We will have a new president, a new year to finally complete those resolutions, and another whole year of celebration.

In 2016, Flint still did not have clean water, but in 2017, their water system will be rebuilt. 2017 is Flint, Michigan’s year. 2017 will be the year for a new president, giving a man a chance to prove that even though he has no political background, he can show us what he is made of. 2017 is about giving people a chance. In 2016, we lost a lot of music and film icons, such as Prince and Gene Wilder. Though they will be remembered dearly, 2017 is the year for those who wish to make a statement, just like they did, to make their mark. In 2017, Chance the Rapper is nominated for a Grammy, despite refusing to sign to a record label. 2017 is the year that proves you can be successful by being yourself.

I know it may seem like every year people say the next one will be better. But, the next year will only be better if you make it better for yourself. It is hard to control everything in your life, but by being positive and loving yourself, you can have a successful new year. 2017 will be better than 2016, because each new year is a time to take a breath, and reflect on how you can make a change for yourself. For some it may be their resolutions, and for others, it may simply be saying to themselves “I can be new this year.” For anyone, 2017 can be “your year” if from day one you stare it in the face and don’t look back.

So, 2017, bring it on. We as people know there will be hard times and sadness, but please bring us good times as well. And if you make this upcoming year a not so great one, that is okay. There will always be a year after that. We as people need to know that life does go on, and there will be better days ahead.

2016, stay in the past. No more school shootings or death from police brutality. No more foul words being said about someone who has a different view than you. Please 2016, don’t carry the negatives into the new year. 2017 is a fresh start for everyone.

From me to you: Happy New Year everyone and make 2017 YOUR year.