I think I can safely say that 2016 has been a challenging year for many people and for the world as a whole. Especially the ending of this year has been a shocking reality for many people but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t approach this new year with open arms because it is a change to better not only as people but as a world. And even though I’m not sad to see it go as this year draws to a close I can’t help but be thankful for some of the amazing things that have happened to me this year.

1. I Graduated High School

When I was still in high school four years seemed endless, but now it feels like it all happened so long ago. While a good number of people didn’t love high school I can honestly say that I wasn’t one of them. It definitely wasn’t easy but it allowed me to meet some incredible people that I’m sure will be in my life for a very long time. Because of this graduating high school for me was bittersweet but after four years of hard work it was certainly satisfying to be done.

2. I Started College

College honestly wasn’t something that I can say I was looking forward to. I was comfortable and happy with where I was, my friend group, and my routine so picking everything up and moving to a new place wasn’t high on the list of things I wanted to do. Despite this fact and the fact that I can honestly say I didn’t have the smoothest transition, college proved to be a pleasant surprise and showed me how many opportunities there are out there for me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me to try new things. It forced me to be more independent and how to be alone, things that I had never done before. My first semester was a series of firsts for me, and for that I am thankful.

3. I Got To Vote

I turned 18 this year and thus this year was the first time that I got the opportunity to vote in an election, and in this case it just so happened to be a presidential election. Regardless of the results of this election and the amount of controversy that surrounded it, I was still thankful to live in a country where I had the opportunity to have a say (no matter have small) in who would be the leader of our country especially because I know it is a right that millions of people fought for me to have.