Marianne Peña Wüst: 2016

Hello, humans.

So, 2016 is coming to an end and we're all hoping that its ill luck won't follow us to 2017. It was a crap year for the world in general: a narcissistic businessman with no political experience whatsoever was elected president of one of the most powerful countries in the world, there were various devastating tragedies (the crisis in Aleppo, the Otto Hurricane, and other terrorist attacks and natural disasters), Brexit happened, and we lost many popular celebrities. However, there were also good things (honestly, I had to look them up): the war in Colombia ends with a Peace Treaty, America (the continent) is declared measles-free, Fidel Castro died, gravitational waves were detected, and the Giant Panda is no longer endangered.

Personally, it was a good year for me. Things finally started to get better after four years of hell. I started going to a new school and it was a wonderful change. I met amazing people and learned interesting things. I also won two national gold math medals this year, which is a great triumph for me because I love math. I ALSO SAW COLDPLAY LIVE, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? IT WAS SO UNREAL.

This year showed me that there's hope and that feeling better is possible. Of course, I'm not completely well yet because I developed my issues over many years, so they can't all go away in just a year. I'm slowly but surely getting better.

In the past years, I've dreaded New Year's Eve, and this year is no exception. I'm not gonna lie, my anxiety is killing me as I type. I'm trying to stay calm. Why do I get so anxious at the end of the year? Probably because it is a reminder that time is melting away and that the past if gone forever. I really miss the past because I feel like it was better, and I'm terrified of the future. What if I go back to feeling like crap? What if I've actually never left and better is just an illusion? What if next time is worse? When will I crack? I have loads of horrible doubts and if I keep thinking about them I'm going to pass out. However, I need to remember that they're just worries and that nothing is certain. Why does the future have to be bad? I don't know what's in store for me; it might be good. There's no need to be afraid.

Next year, I'm going to start the IB Program. That is scary as heck, but it's also exciting. I'll hopefully develop useful skills and learn new things, if what the IB people say is true. I'll also have many opportunities to travel abroad because of math. Some cool stuff will happen, probably.

I'm grateful for everything that happened to me this year, even the bad things. I have no idea what's coming, but I know I'll be fine. I hope I don't get in trouble for saying this, but 2017, come at me, bro.

I wish you all a wonderful 2017.

Love,

Nan.

Here are some pictures of my best memories of 2016.