Many New Year's resolutions that people make are clichés. We want to start going to the gym more, save money, and get good grades. We also often wish to better ourselves in the new year. The "new year, new me" resolution is common and always cheesy. But when you really think about it, the New Year offers us a great opportunity. Why wouldn't you want to make yourself better and grow?

There are many things I hope to accomplish when the calendar changes to 2016. It's a fresh slate. So, as the final days of 2015 are winding down, I have a few words for myself for the upcoming New Year. Maybe you can relate to it too.

Dear self,

You've been lucky, 2015 has been a great year for you. You've seen and done a lot of amazing things. You've done so well with school all year and didn't give up, even when it was so tough and you really wanted to. Seriously, the past two semesters kicked your butt but you kept kicking back. You worked so hard at your internship over the summer and got great experience. Most importantly you strengthened relationships/friendships and made new ones. You have people that you couldn't imagine not having in your life. There's been so many good things in your life and you have so much to be thankful for.

Hopefully 2016 will be full of good things too. But it is going to be hard. My fellow seniors can agree that 2016 will be a year of transition. In the spring, we'll graduate and part ways with the lovely Ohio University in pursuit of adult life. You'll replace papers and exams with a job and actual work. It's scary to think about. You're afraid to leave the bricks behind for the unknown. But just like everything else that has happened in your life, you'll get through it. It'll be a rough adjustment but in time you will get used to it and do great. Try not to worry so much.

I hope you accomplish everything you put your mind to in the New Year. I hope your successful and finish out the school year strong. Keep working hard at everything you do. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. The whole world is out there. Don't limit yourself or hold back. You'll be stressed out looking for jobs but don't give in to the stress. Everything will be alright.

Continue to grow and maintain your friendships, even as you move away from Athens. Just because you're leaving doesn't mean your friendships are over. It's just a new chapter. And don't ever forget all of the important and amazing things you've learned in your four years at OU.

Now, go start the New Year strong and make 2016 one of the best years yet.