2016 was...interesting, to say the least. Many people hated 2016; granted, a lot of negative things did happen this year. A large number of influencers and artists passed away, an election divided our country, and violence and hate continued to tear our world apart. I'm not going to try to sugarcoat it: it was a tough year for a lot of people. But I've never been one to focus on the negative. I always try to see the positive, especially in difficult situations, so I'm looking back at the positive highlights of my own 2016.
—To start 2016, I started this blog! It's been so much fun to do, and I have some great projects in the works for the new year.
—My nephew and godson turned one, and I got to spend another incredible year watching him grow and learn. He also said my name for the first time this year (both as "Rah-Rah" and as "Sarah")!
—I got to go on two amazing trips to New York City. The first was in April with Ed on Campus during which we visited a number of magazines and got to visit with editors. The second was in July for Her Conference, which featured great speakers and workshops. During this trip I also bonded with three Her Campus Iowa girls, and they are now some of my best friends.
—I spent a third and final summer nannying for some of my favorite kiddos ever. Those three gave me three of the best summers I've ever had, and I'll miss spending my summer days watching movies and Netflix with them and going on various adventures with them and driving them all over town.
—I started my third and final full year of college. Absolutely crazy.
—I completed a remote editorial internship for Her Campus Nationals. During this internship, I spent a lot of time writing news/pop culture/style/beauty blogs, editing articles, republishing articles, and writing a variety of feature and viral articles. It was a great experience!
—Plus, my involvement with Her Campus Iowa has only gotten better and better throughout the year. We achieved Pink Chapter Level status again this semester, so we're still going strong!
—I read a lot of great books! More of my thoughts on these books to come...
—And I spend a lot of quality time with family and good friends. To me, nothing is better than time with loved ones, so I appreciated every moment I got to spend with those I love this year.
2016 had its dark moments, but it's important to look at the great moments, too. And it's also important to have hope. Have hope that those bad things weren't for nothing and that good will come from the bad. Have hope that 2017 is filled with less dark moments and more light ones. Just have hope. Look on the bright side! And make some resolutions. Stay tuned for my resolutions for 2017 in my next post!
What were your favorite moments of 2016? What are you looking forward to in 2017? Happy New Year!
Lots of love,
Sarah
Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings"