This year has definitely been one to reflect on. This year has taught me a lot of things I didn’t know were possible. I have had some of the greatest times this year, but also some of the worst. This year has been a very weird one for a lot of people. All over the country, people are becoming more aware of the things going on and it has changed perspectives everywhere. This year taught me a lot. Here are five things 2016 taught me, personally:

1. Life is very unpredictable.

You can think you have everything planned out, but you never do. The world is a crazy place. 2016 has been a good year to see all of the things that have gone completely backwards this year. One example is this year’s election. If you would have told us a year ago that the election would go the way it did, no one would have believed that. You have to take the things life throws at you and just go with it.

2. You can’t change people’s intentions with you.

I have always had this problem where I let toxic people in my life and I think I can change them. The truth is you can't change people. People are always going to have some type of intention when they come into your life. Whether good or bad, these intentions aren’t going to change, most of the time. If you don’t talk about what you want to come of a relationship or friendship, the intentions won’t be clear to both people. Relationships can become very one-sided when you have different intentions with each other.

3. You have to put yourself first.

At this age, you have to realize no one matters more than you do right now. You have to be your own first choice. If you aren’t, you will not be able to complete the goals you have set for yourself. College gives you a lot of different opportunities. You have to decide which of these will be helping you and which could hurt you. You have to constantly think about your future and how the things you do now are changing your future all the time.'

4. Change is inevitable.

Everything in life is temporary, and the second you think something isn't going to change, it will. Nothing stays the same for long. You can try your hardest to run from these changes, but they will always be there. You can either fear this change and stop yourself from living, or you can accept that it’s going to happen and learn to adapt when these changes come.

5. Your friends have a big impact on you.

Pay attention to your friends. If your friends don’t have goals and ambitions, you can lose yours. You become the people you are around. You have to make sure the people you are surrounding yourself with have your best interest in mind. Your friends should be encouraging you to better yourself in everything you do.

2016 has had its ups and downs, but there has been some good lessons learned this year. Here's to hoping 2017 is even better!