I don't remember the last time I actually set a New Year's resolution and kept it. I don't believe that you need to wait for a new year to choose to make a positive change in your life. Of course, there are various reasons people set goals for the new year, one being that there's more of a feeling of support and motivation, but my personal "goals" for 2016 are goals I've already set and have worked towards. On a broader scale, I am working toward creating and maintaining a happier and more positive life. I've learned that the things that make me happiest are when I'm surrounded by people I love, or busy working towards building my successful future.

Here are a few of them:

1. Be surrounded by positivity.

The past year, I really began to notice the choices I made and how they affect my well-being. The biggest and best change I made last year was to surround myself by people who support me and truly care for me. My circle is smaller than it's been in years past, but we are all so comfortable and supportive of each other. Whenever we get together, it's full of nonstop laughter and adventure. It is so important to surround yourself with like-minded people, you will only become more successful.

2. Continue doing well in school.

Another accomplishment I'm proud of from 2015 is that I ended my second quarter of college with a 3.9 GPA. My education is important to me and I'm looking forward to continue trying my best in school when I start the next quarter. Although much improved, I am still working on kicking my procrastination habit as well as increasing my organizational skills.

3. Work really hard.

In 2016, I plan to continue to be more independent. The latter half of 2015, I would have random tutoring, babysitting, and writing jobs here and there—but in 2016, I really want to work. I'm blessed to have a life where I don't need a job to support myself, but I want to be prepared and I want to start saving money now. Hopefully, I can find a "real" job in the next few months.

4. Make good art.

One thing I really plan to work on this year is to "create more art." I go to an "art" school already, but I want to create and design more than what I'm told to do. I don't even know how many times I've sat watching Netflix when I could've been drawing something, sewing something or making anything. I hope to be more productive with my leisure time.

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These are just a few things I'm going to continue to work on this year and I'm confident that I will accomplish everything. Here's to a bigger, better 2016!