This year, probably unlike any other, has changed me drastically. From relationships to heartbreak to Donald Trump tweets to the popularity of “JuJu On That Beat”, I can say that I have probably laughed and cried more in this year than any of the other 18 years of my existence thus far. Although this year has been particularly hard at times, I can’t help but look back at it and feel beyond grateful for all the new people, experiences, and things that have crossed my path throughout this year. So, with that being said and the spirit of Thanksgiving in mind, I present to you the top 6 things I’m thankful for in 2016.

1. My faith and Chance the Rapper’s “Coloring Book”

I wouldn’t say that I’ve had the roughest year, (because I haven’t, by far) but this past year I was forced to conquer one of the most difficult challenges of my whole life: loving myself. I found myself really hurt after breaking up with my first serious boyfriend. After this relationship, I found myself questioning what love truly means. In the midst of all this hurt and confusion, I stumbled upon the greatest book of all time: the Holy Bible. In it, there is a clearly stated outline of what is love and what is love is not. This, paired with songs like Blessings and Blessings 2 on Chance the Rapper’s latest album “Coloring Book”, helped me see that I am already loved and already blessed, I just had to receive it.

2. PRSSA

Last semester, I changed my major to Public Relations. When I did, I knew it was one of the best decisions of my life, I just didn’t know why. The Public Relations Student Society of America, or PRSSA for short, has provided me with pretty much everything I could ask for in regards to helping me determine exactly why changing my major was the best decision of my life. I have met so many people in this organization and they have taken me to new heights in my life and really pushed me to do everything I can to follow my passion and achieve my goals.

3. Instagram dance crazes

Want to know one of my guiltiest pleasures? Staying up until the wee hours of the morning watching Instagram dance videos and trying to copy them, when I know I should be sleeping. These dance videos satisfy the little part in me that believes I can “HitDemFolks” or “Milly Rock” no matter how off-rhythm, off-beat, or off-putting I look. Watching these videos makes me happy for absolutely no reason and it’s perfect.

4. The #BlackLivesMatter movement

Of the 990 people that died in police shootings last year, 258 of them were African-American. That's 26%. Yet, according to the Census Bureau, African-Americans only make up 17% of America.

Although facts like this are troubling to me, I have seen so many people around me rally together to stop statistics like this from existing, inside and outside the Black community. I have seen the people in my generation stand for something bigger than themselves. This has caused me to become so empowered as a black woman in America because of how many empowered black people I see around me. Although times are dark right now, it’s comforting to see people around me continue to fight for what is just in the face of criticism and loss. I believe that as long as people stand up for what is right, we can never go wrong.

And yes, #BLACKLIVESDOMATTER.

5. Friends and family

What kind of person would I be if I said I wasn’t thankful for my friends and family? A lying person. I honestly cannot thank my family and friends enough for seeing me out of one of the darkest times in my life. They were the people that saw the light in me when I didn’t see it in myself.

I can’t say enough about the overwhelming love and support that is abundant in my family. I often take them for granted, but if it wasn’t for them, I would not have survived this year. As dysfunctional as we can be at times, I wouldn’t pick another family even if I could.

Although, I do get to pick my friends, they have become so much more in this past year. These people have watched me laugh and cry and have given me some of the best advice I have ever heard, ever. I honestly would give anything I have to them, as they have given me so much.

6. Rejection and Growth

This year I got rejected, a lot; by people I wanted to be with, organizations I wanted to be a part of, even by myself at times when I thought I wasn’t good enough. All of these rejections prepared me for something I didn’t know I needed to be prepared for: growth. I see myself every day taking what I learned throughout these rejections and trying not to receive more, but trying to be more as a person and offer more to those around me. This way win or lose, I never lose.

This year has taken me on a roller-coaster ride, but I can say, with certainty, that I am at the top right now. I not only like myself- I love myself, for everything I’m not, everything I am, and everything I will be and that is something to be thankful for.