This year has been by far one of the most challenging, encouraging, stressful, and rewarding years of my life. Definitely a year that will make its way into the books as one of the most impactful years not only in my life but in global history as well.

Moving four hours away from home was definitely a huge challenge for myself and my family. Not to mention the cost of it financially was quite a change. But here it is at the end of 2016 and we made it. I made it. So far so good, and I cannot wait to see where my path leads.

After moving from home to go to school, I was encouraged to make a name for myself and that has started with friends. I have made some of the best friends I could have ever asked for that I've ever had. I honestly don't know what I would do without them by my side, and I am so thankful for them every day.

My stress comes from the many struggles I have faced after emerging into adulthood. I now have to worry about bills and much alike, but also the world as it all affects my day-to-day tasks as well. With this year becoming more and more politically stressed and globally unstable, it has been something to worry and hope over for many months now. Reality is not always positive, but hopefully within the new year it will clear up some.

As stressful as this year has been, the rewards in retrospect have been very important to me. I now attend one of the best colleges in the nation to pursue my goals and dreams, which all lie at the edges of my fingertips only to achieve those within a few years. Until then, I can be proud of how far I have come and how far I will push myself in times to come. I have learned to be so thankful for many things I took for granted, and for that, I'm rewarded by being more humble.

This year of 2016 is definitely one for the books, but by turning the knob to close this year and to open a new door in life is very promising to me. I cannot wait to see what lies behind the door and see where it takes me. Not to mention, the only way to move is forward, so I will take it in stride. May 2017 be a fortunate year for everyone.