It’s crazy to think that almost another year has gone by and that a new one will be starting in just a few short weeks. 2018 is coming, and I can’t wait for a fresh new start. Lord knows I need it. Each year we all grow and become a different person than we were in the last one. When I look back at the start of 2017 and the place I was in, everything was completely different than it is right now.

At the beginning of 2017, I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted.

I had spent my time in denial trying to convince myself that I was happy when I wasn’t. I had been in this place of trying to please everyone and accommodate others. As the year has gone on, I have just now come to terms with the fact that I will never be able to please everyone, and not everyone is going to like me. That’s okay.

As the months went on, relationships had changed for me and I started realizing things that were in front of me the whole time. After all, this year was about realizing things, right Kylie Jenner? This year, I have definitely learned who my real friends are and who really shows care and support for me. I have made and lost friendships as this year has gone on, and as I think about it more, not everyone that means something to you at some point is supposed to be in your life forever.

People that we meet and come close to either teach us a lesson or are a blessing in disguise. Sometimes, these may even go hand in hand because being taught that lesson could be a blessing you never knew you’d receive.

This year I have come to terms with the fact that things are constantly changing and people are going to change too. For the people that are in my life right now that take the time to reach out to me, show me true friendship, and are always willing to go out of their way for me, I thank you with all of my heart.

To the people that have done me any sort of wrong or have shown lack of friendship, thank you for showing me your true character and colors. I needed to know the truth, and now that I know it, I can gracefully move on with my life and forget about you and your negativity.

To the new people that I have met at ISU, thank you for welcoming me into this new environment with open arms. I have never felt so comfortable in a new setting as I do in this moment. Thank you for the wonderful memories I have made with all of you and for the wonderful memories to come.

Thanks to 2017, I have become stronger, more confident, and smarter. 2017 has taught me awareness and to look at what’s right in front of me. For all of the lessons, this year has taught me, whether good or bad, I can reflect on this year knowing that I have come out a better person with a new outlook on life.

Here’s to 2018. The year of new beginnings, positivity, and happiness. I can’t wait to see what this year holds and the person I will become by the end of it.