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Politics and Activism

Farewell 2016, Hello 2017

A message from the past to the present.

Amanda Herbert

Jan 08, 2017

University at Albany, SUNY

Dear 2016,

You were far from perfect. You gave me a chance to grow and to discover parts of myself I never knew existed. I have learned to love myself and build great connections with my friends. What this year has taught me the most is to never give up.

College is a time where everyone is pushed to their limits. After a while, those limits makes us stronger. I became stronger this past year. I've realized my weaknesses and I've dealt with loss within myself. I struggled with finding the right path for myself. I began my journey as double major in English and Journalism, realizing slowly that I hated journalism and the conformity. My perspective shifted away from this concept of me being a journalist to this dream of becoming a teacher. I wanted to make a difference and it wasn't going to be exactly through writing. This past semester I took various of Africana studies courses to understand my heritage more. I began to understand that I have to fight for what I want. I've realized more about myself as a black young woman, than any other part of my life. Society has placed a stigma on black men and women determining that they won't account for anything. I'm finally beginning to see the place I want in this world. I know nothing ever comes easy. I want to succeed and not settle for mediocrity. The color of my skin puts me at disadvantage. I don't want to prove people wrong. I want to prove to myself that anything is possible.

So for this new year, there's no new me. I do not plan on changing, but only growing from the person I am. I want to understand more about myself. I want to be more vocal about what I want out of life and not be afraid. Last year allowed to me to understand myself. This year I want to push my limits. Step out of my comfort zone. I need to conquer my fears, because only then can I succeed. I hope that I have a chance to accomplish all I can in this year. I want to leave my mark on this ground I stand on. This will only lead to growth and maturity. With any mistakes I make along the way, I only hope I get stronger.

This also the year I graduate, so I have already been blessed these past four years. I'm not the same person I was four years ago. Life has been nothing but a journey. I cannot wait to see what life will be after May. Thank you to 2016 for giving me a chance to understand myself. I hope 2017 is another blessing.

Amanda

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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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Farewell 2016, Hello 2017

A message from the past to the present.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

No, I can't help you.

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

4. Having the same conversations over and over again! To be honest I really don't even want to talk to you right now, or have this fake ass smile on my face!

5. Always having to have a smile on your face. I promise I'm not as happy as I may look!

6. Customers not understanding that sometimes, mistakes happen. I am a human being, we all mess up sometimes!

7. Having the boss from hell, it's their way or the highway! Even though I did my job correctly and efficiently, if I don't do it the exact way you do, I'm a piece of shit.

8. Having coworker who don't help out, who bend the rules just enough to screw you over.

9. Having to be at work after closing because a customer is taking forever and half! Not like I'd like to go home or anything!

10. Having shitty hours and more shifts than you asked for. Just because we don't have enough workers, doesn't mean I want to pick up every shift that you cant cover, oh great boss of mine!

11. Not having time for a social life. It gets old saying, "I can't I have work..." Every day of the week!

12. Having that lazy costumer who can't do anything for themselves... no please I'll get that, it's no problem at all!

It's just my face, I swear.

1. When you meet new people, they automatically assume you hate them or are rude.

2. People are constantly asking you if you're OK.

3. After being friends with someone for a while, they confess to you, "I thought you were so mean when I first met you," or, "I thought you hated me."

4. You get told to smile more, but they don't understand how scary that would be.

5. You're always labeled as seeming "judgy."

6. Passing a friend with your RBF in full force and not realizing you just shot them a death glare.

7. Being sarcastic, but everyone thinks you're outright rude.

8. Not knowing how mean you really look until you see a picture of yourself in resting face.

9. Your apologies never sound sincere because of your emotionless face.

10. Your "mad face" scares you.

11. And, lastly, people are constantly asking you if you are happy or having a good time because you look bored to death.

Please hold your blonde joke.

1. "Is Elle Woods your spirit animal?"

2. "Is that your natural hair color?"

3. "Oh wow, you get good grades at school?"

4. "You must really like the color pink!"

5. "You’re probably not into sports, right?"

6. "You must have such a bubbly personality."

7. "Your wardrobe must consist of all things preppy."

8. "What sorority are you in?"

9. "You were probably a cheerleader in high school."

10. "You look like you’re from L.A. because your hair is so light."

11. "You definitely like Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks!"

12. "Do you actually think blondes have more fun?"

13. "You must encompass the typical “white girl” stereotype."

14. "Is that daddy’s credit card you’re using?"

15. "So all of your friends are blonde too?"

16. "I’m surprised about you; I thought you would be a lot ditsier."

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

11. You embarrass yourself somehow.

12. You get the present you really wanted but thought no one would get you.

13. You are a little sad about getting older.

14. That feeling wears off and you realize how happy you are to have family and friends to celebrate this day with you.

15. The morning after your birthday looks something like this.

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