Dear 2016,

With 2017 just beginning, it seems like a lot of people hated you. All I see from most people is how bad of a year 2016 was for them. While I am sure some had a rough year, you were good to me. A list of things that went right for me starting with:

1) Last semester of high school. While I longed for graduation to come around and grew less and less fond of most of my classmates, I did enjoy my last semester. I finally found the true friends that I am now still incredibly blessed to call friends. I grew stronger, smarter, and braver.

2) Senior prom. The best night ever. Prom on a boat with my best friend as my date. It was a night that I could never forget and I do not want to forget it ever.

3) Vacation 2016. I got two spend the best 2 weeks of my life with one of my most favorite people in Spain and Portugal. I made memories and enjoyed experiences that I never could have if I had not taken the step and went on the trip. I made amazing new friends who I still talk to on a regular basis. Those were two of the most fun weeks of my life.

4) First semester of college. My first semester of college living with my best friend was the best semester of school I have ever has. Despite the people who told us we would end up hating each other, we are now even closer and have an even better friendship than before. We had fun and we got to transition from high school to college together.

5) Better friendships. Along with the wonderful friends I have made at college, being away from my friends at home has somehow brought me closer to them. All the support and friendships I have coming from home is what helps me keep going and not give up.

6) Christmas in Texas. I got to spend 9 days with some of my favorite people including Christmas. It was the first Christmas that I was away from my parents and home and I would not have wanted to spend it with anyone else.

2016, you may have caused trouble for others, but for me, you have helped me. You have given me a year of growth, fun, and happiness. I am very thankful for all that you have brought to me.

Much love,

Me