2017 has been one hell of a year. From a presidential election that threw the world into a frenzy, to the many personal circumstances that threw my own personal life into a frenzy, this past year is definitely one for the books. It was filled with many amazing memories, along with many not so good ones. But while all the negative has happened I forgot to take a moment to really appreciate the good aspects of it, along with the many lessons I learned.

This past year I made so many friendships, and built stronger relationships with the people I was already friends with. With a few bumps in the road, some of these friendships were tested, and rather than throwing away the relationship we had, we were able to grow stronger. Not only this, but I was able to rid my life of the toxic people and toxic friendships that were holding me back, and I have become a better person for it.

I became a more confident person. I have not always liked how I looked or who I was, and this past year I learned to love the skin I was born in and love the person that I am, because God doesn’t make any mistakes. And while I still have my moments as we all do, I remember that in the end I am here for a reason and that reason is much bigger than me.

This past year showed me that life is not going to be easy. Just when you think things are going well, something will probably be thrown at you. It is through these times especially that staying positive and keeping a positive outlook on life is what will help you get through these times the easiest. I am just always reminded of a statement that was told to me when I was younger; God never gives you anything you cannot handle.

It showed me that the best things come unexpectedly. People that you may have only really known because they were in one of your classes may become one of the most important people in your life in a matter of a few short months. It is through situations like this that one realizes not all things randomly thrown your way have to be negative.

I do not give enough credit where it is due. My parents are some of the strongest and best people I know. Through personal family issues, death in the family, and the many other unfortunate events that were thrown at them this past year, they were still able to keep their heads held high and take on their responsibilities, whether that be working or being parents to 5 kids. This past year really showed me how truly lucky I am to have been blessed with the parents that I have. They are the most supportive, loving, and considerate people I have ever met, and I am so indubitably grateful that life decided they were what I needed.

While life may throw the worst at you, you are also always gifted with the best. And while you may not realize it at the time, nor realize it now, all of the positive things you have witnessed or you have been given outweigh all the negative. Whether those blessings are in the form of a person, a job, or many other things, these are the gifts that make all the bad worth it.

There are so many more things that this past year has taught me. But most importantly, if 2017 has taught me anything, it is that life is extremely unpredictable. Life will throw all that it has at you and you will have no choice but to welcome it with open arms. It is just up to what you make of these situations and how you decide to handle them that will determine your outcome.

"We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated." -Maya Angelou