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What 2016 has Taught Me

What a Strange Year

Alvina Ahmed

Dec 26, 2016

Poughkeepsie, New York

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2016 was an interesting, shocking and in many ways, a tragic year. It has definitely been a year where there have been several results which we had not expected: BREXIT and Trump’s victory to name a few. In some ways, 2016 also brought the world together as people cheered on their nations during the Soccer European Championships and the Olympics. In order to reflect on the year, I have compiled a list of top six lessons I learned in 2016.

1. Media thinks hate messages are much more important than messages on how to improve our country’s infrastructure, economy and climate

The mainstream media would rarely cover Bernie Sander’s policies regarding issues facing our nation but would certainly put a hate message Trump had uttered on the cover page of a well-known newspaper. A big role in Trump’s victory is the free media coverage he received.

2. Propaganda can actually control the masses

One reason why Trump received many middle class citizens’ vote is because he appealed to their emotions. He claimed that we have a corrupt establishment, which we do. However, he is the establishment even if he is an outsider. From my understanding, Trump is not going to work for the benefit of the working and middle class families. He will likely continue the corrupt system we have now.

3. You can get away with anything if you move fast in water

Brock Turner and Ryan Lochte, this one’s for you.

4. You just can’t change some people

There will always be that one person at your Thanksgiving dinner table or your friend group who will not listen to you and understand your views no matter how much logic and facts you use.

5. Sometimes things just don’t turn out the way you expected them to.

We’ve seen it with BREXIT, Trump’s victory and many other events. In such cases, you are always shocked.

6. It’s important to let the people you care about know that you love them

Many tragic events had occurred in 2016. Hence, let your loved ones know that you care about them because you never know when it will be the last time you will talk to them.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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What 2016 has Taught Me

What a Strange Year

1. Media thinks hate messages are much more important than messages on how to improve our country’s infrastructure, economy and climate

2. Propaganda can actually control the masses

3. You can get away with anything if you move fast in water

4. You just can’t change some people

5. Sometimes things just don’t turn out the way you expected them to.

6. It’s important to let the people you care about know that you love them

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All names should be "unisex names."

1. Communicating via email can be awkward.

2. Appointments usually accompany weird looks.

3. Introducing yourself to someone is never without a hitch.

4. You’ve probably thought about changing your name.

5. You’re often asked why you have the name you do.

6. You get excited when you meet someone of your gender with your name.

7. You feel awkward when you meet someone of the opposite gender with your name.

8. You’ve had someone say to you, “I knew a [your name], but they were [your opposite gender].”

9. You’ve heard a bad joke/pick-up line or two about your name before.

10. People are surprised when they see you.

11. You’re extra sensitive to other unique or unisex names.

12. You’ve fought with your parents about it.

13. All things considered, you’re happy your name makes you unique.

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

I get it... I'm pale.

1. At least I can't lose you in a crowd!

2. Oh my goodness your skin is like glow-in-the-dark.

3. Can't you just get fake tan?

4. Do you tan or just burn?

5. Your kids are going to look like Casper the Friendly Ghost!

6. *holds arm against your arm* Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. *holds pale arm against another pale arm* Aw, at least you're darker than her!

8. I laid out by the pool almost every day over break!

9. I haven't used sunscreen since I was, like, five.

10. *adjusts selfie lighting to their face* Oops, where'd you go??

11. *after working out* Your face is SO red!

12. *wears white* Look! You're all one color!

13. You need to get some sun.

14. Aren't you excited for summer?

The struggle bus is real.

1. Child prodigies:

2. Hearing other musicians in the practice room next door and accepting that you will never be as talented as them:

3. That anxiety that takes over before every performance:

4. Taking a million 0 credit classes:

5. When there's a paper due the next day, but you have to attend yet another concert in order to pass a 0 credit class:

6. When your friends try to encourage you after a performance, even though you are criticizing everything in your mind:

7. Knowing that there's always that one professor during juries:

8. The oh-so-attractive band/choir uniforms:

9. Realizing that a college campus is maybe not the best atmosphere to finish your latest composition:

10. Hearing "Oh, you sing opera? I LOVE Phantom of the Opera!" for the hundredth time:

11. When people think finals week is a breeze for you.

12. When you're drowning in the stress that comes with 18+ credits (and not to mention all those 0 credit classes) and people ask you how you are:

13. When it all comes down to it, though, you know that at the end of the day, music is your passion:

Because you need it in your life.

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6. holds arm against your arm Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. holds pale arm against another pale arm Aw, at least you're darker than her!

10. adjusts selfie lighting to their face Oops, where'd you go??

11. after working out Your face is SO red!

12. wears white Look! You're all one color!