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A Final Open Letter To 2016 As We Say Goodbye

You gave me some hardships that at the time seemed too daunting to get through, but I did and came out stronger because of it.

Bryttni Carpenter

Dec 26, 2016

DePauw University

655

A Final Open Letter To 2016 As We Say Goodbye

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Dear 2016,

As I look back on the year that quickly flew by, I realize that it has been one of the greatest so far. You challenged me in ways that helped me grow and gave me some of my favorite moments. You also gave me some hardships that at the time seemed too daunting to get through, but I did and came out stronger because of it.

I started the year filled with uncertainty of where I would eventually end up for school and everything that would come with that decision. 2016 was a yer filled with change and the need to be okay with how much change I was going through. Instead of spending time in a suburb of a major Ohio city, I now spend most of the year living in the middle of nowhere Indiana, where the closest Panda Express is 45 minutes away. With all of the changes came many upsides. I met my roommate who is now one of my best friends and I couldn't imagine anyone else being by my side to tackle freshman year with. I also started my college lacrosse career with the fall ball season and can't wait to start the actual season.

You also gave me some of my favorite memories, whether it was with my friends, my family or it was a personal achievement. I celebrated various senior nights, graduated high school and began my college adventure. I was also stranded at and amusement park with some of my closest friends the day before my birthday, which doesn't sound like the greatest thing to happen but that is a night I'll be grateful for in the years to come. I was also able to come home a few times and spend precious time with my family that I didn't realize I would miss as much as I did.

You also brought it's hardships in different forms. Whether it was learning to live with the distance that I created when leaving for college and the homesickness that came with it or learning that not everyone is going to like me and that it would be okay in the end. I also dealt with a lot of adversity during my sports season and I had to learn to cope with everything happening there. Needless to say I grew a lot from everything happening in my personal life.

So I just want to say thank you 2016 for being a pretty good year. I cannot wait for what 2017 will bring as you come to an end and I cannot wait to ring in 2017 in just one short week.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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A Final Open Letter To 2016 As We Say Goodbye

You gave me some hardships that at the time seemed too daunting to get through, but I did and came out stronger because of it.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

7. "I don't need to buy my friends."

6. "Oh, so I'll bet you love to drink."

5. "Can you tell me some of your secrets?"

4. "What do you do at your meetings?"

3. "Do you guys haze really badly?"

2. "Is it just like in the movies?"

1. "Sororities are so basic."

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

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