At this point in time it is evident that 2016 pretty much sucked for a whole lot of people. All of America, actually. Well, all of the world actually. And while some may claim that 2016 treated them kindly, let's just take a moment to remind them of a certain gorilla that died without cause and of a certain penguin who was unjustly cuckolded and abandoned by his wife. All jokes aside, 2016 was definitely a rough year. It is a year that will live in infamy, a year that has already become a running joke, and a year that I personally would like to move on from.

Okay, so the whole year didn't completely suck for me. I met some amazing people and learned a lot about myself and about life -- you know, growth and all that jazz. But there's just something about 2016 that really makes me long for change in 2017. This past year the world was filled with fear, prejudice, hate, death, and just all around misery. And I believe that is just downright heartbreaking. It is so saddening to me that an entire year has now been categorized as depressing and as a year that some people would rather just forget altogether. Therefore, I say let's make 2017 a year to remember.

A new year is a chance for new beginnings and fresh starts. It is an opportunity to set goals and feel confident in the year ahead instead of being bogged down by years past. So instead of feeling like 2017 will just be a continuation of the horror that was 2016, I hope that you will join me in setting out to make 2017 a year full of joy, peace, and working towards a better life; not only for ourselves, but for others as well. Let us ring in 2017 full of hope, love, and a positive outlook on what is to come in the new year. Let us banish all traces of hate, pride, and jealousy. Let us put aside our differences and come together as a nation and as a world, so that 2017 will be remembered as the year of unity and kindness.

My goal this year is to become the best version of myself. To strive for greatness in everything I do, and to accomplish everything I set out to do with love and humility in my heart. Here's to hoping the rest of the world will do the same.

Cheers to the new year. We can all breathe a sigh of relief because it's finally 2017. Now go make it wonderful.