As I look back on who I was at the beginning of 2016, I realize that who I was then is nowhere near who I am now.

Coping with loss, losing friendships, gaining new ones, and changing myself for the better are just a few of the many things that changed my outlook on life, and prepared me for success for many years to come. I not only gained knowledge and strength during the trying times of 2016, but I also found myself. I met someone who I love, I got accepted to my first choice college, I decided who I want to be for the rest of my life, and I learned so many things that will help me along my way.

I learned how to love myself, and how to accept the things I cannot change.

I learned that losing friends is hard, but is usually for the best

I learned to do what makes me happy, not everyone else

I learned to speak up for myself

I learned that it's best to be the bigger person

I learned the importance of pushing myself to do better

Finally, the biggest lesson I learned in 2016 is to always have confidence in myself, and success will follow