2017 has been an intense year – both for me personally and
for the world at large. It’s been scary, and exciting, and sad, and joyous, and
above all else, surprising. To me, 2017 can be summed up in that one word –
surprising. Many of us began this year thinking it was going to be a complete
mess – and in the beginning the world didn’t give us any reason to believe
otherwise. We began the year fearful, uncertain, and divided. It has been a
difficult year, but I believe in being so, it has been one of our best yet.
In the face of inexplicable tragedy, unthinkable horrors,
and just plain awful circumstances, we found humanity. This year we saw people join
hands again and again and again to show that even with everything we are going
through, we will get through this, together – come hell or high water. And we did! That is a reason to celebrate.
I think I will definitely look back on 2017 as a year that changed
my life. My life has indeed changed and so have I. It is amazing what can
happen in the span of 12 months, and I have learned so much. I have learned
what it is like to be away from home. What it is like to miss my parents. I’ve
learned how to see people as more than just labels, to understand that everyone
has a story, and that first impressions are not always correct. I’ve learned
that rejection is survivable, failures are inevitable, and mistakes are essential.
I’ve learned that if you want something, you must fight for it. I’ve learned
that trying that new thing you’ve been avoiding might just change your life. I’ve
learned that there is still good in the world, and above all, I know now for
sure, that hope is not misguided – it is real and it is important.
During the days of World War I, when British soldiers down
in the trenches felt hopeless and unsure of what was happening, and why they
were even fighting, the story goes that they would sing in the tune of Auld Lang Syne (how appropriate), the
words “We’re here because we’re here because we’re here because we’re here”
over and over again. As macabre as it sounds, it is important because it
reminds us that in times of desperation that not all is lost.
As John Green said “We
may never know why we are here, but we can still proclaim in hope that we are
here”.
And so long as we are here, we can do things, build things,
be things that make the world better. There is so much work to be done. And I
know that we will rise to the challenge, as we always have, as we always will. This
new year will bring with it even more challenges, and we must be ready.
So, bring it on 2018, because whatever comes, we’re here.
I see that as a great privilege – one we cannot squander.
Happy New Year <3
It’s going to be incredible!
Until next time,
Bianka
