How Was 2016 For You?

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?
- I graduated!!!! That moment of transition from being a student to being unemployed is so fucking depressing. Plus I dont get student discount anymore :dry:

2. What did you do over the summer?
- Summer... I was doing nothing but being depressed, playing LoL, flirting,and job hunting.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
- 2016 is the year where I met my boyfriend. At first it was really hard since we only get to see each other online but then later on we kinda got used to it and just do stuffs to make us forget that we are thousands of miles away.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?
- Donald Trump won WTF AMERICA

5. Favourite song from the year?
- It was an old song but I was listening to it a lot this year. It is Radio/Video by SOAD

6. Favourite artist this year?
- Lady Gaga for sure

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
- I dont rememberrrr!

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
- Graduated and got a job

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
- Its my bestfriend. He graduated college.I dont know but he might be a cum Laude

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
- I should think about myself too. I should also learn how to value money and learn how to save up.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?
- Probably graduating and having a job. Adult world is boring.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
- Yeah... But its best unsaid here in EC

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
- Got my Multimedia Arts degree and gained some experience in the gaming industry.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
- Asked his to be my boyfriend and he said YES <3

15. What was your most stupid incident?
- Suicide attempt. STUPID

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
- Right now, I really appreciate my time with my boyfriend. I sound clingy, yes, but he's the only person that knows who I really am and there's no one else know me the way he do. I am myself when talking to him.

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
- International exchange gift with my boyfriend But mine already got there with him and he opened it already while his gift is still delivering :lol:

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?
- YES! I want my boardgame to be published. I want to save up money. And I want to have abs LOL

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
- I voted 7 on the poll. It was a "not so good not so bad but when you think deeper it becomes really really awful but sometimes when it also is really great i dont know maybe its a bipolar" year for me.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
- I wasnt that active here on 2016, I want to be more active this 2017

 

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?
Starting university. It's the last step before I can finally start my life for real. However, it's not as different as I would have expected. Cegep is great for preparing you for it. High school was no walk in the park either, so I was already used to heavy work load.

2. What did you do over the summer?

I moved. I frankly don't like my new city, but it's temporary. I started to plan a webcomic, also. That's something.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Had a crush this year. Didn't last long. I learned more about him, and then I realized it would never work.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?
Probably the Orlando shooting. That was terrible

5. Favourite song from the year?
I have nothing that really stands out to me. I don't listen to the radio anymore, so I'm not really exposed to new songs.

6. Favourite artist this year?
I don't know either. I can barely name a favorite artist either way.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
Well, I didn't truly make any, but I set some goals. I told myself I would get my novel published: I didn't (I added 10 000 words in it and corrected it, but I didn't send it anywhere). I told myself I'd finish my short story: I didn't (I wrote two new chapters, but I didn't finish). I told myself I'd do the first chapter of a webcomic I want to make: I did (I worked on it whenever I could between August and December. I wanted to meet at least one goal)

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
How I got back up after failling miserably at my online translation course. I met the teacher to know what I did wrong, and it was the slap in the face I needed (not a literal slap, mind you). I went from getting 40-60% to 80-85% in the course. I bet the teacher was impressed too.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?

I don't really know.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Not any new ones that I can think of.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?
It's the first time I've been surrounded with English and I had to adapt to that. It's still hard, but I manage.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
I asked my then-crush's contact information D:

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
I graduated from Cegep, so whatever this gives me

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
My final project of Cegep. We worked so hard on it from February to April. The end result was really amazing. It was a trilingual presentation (English-German-Spanish. No French allowed) of 45 minutes in group about artists. I had a lot of fun doing it. I talked about Fauvism, so we were all wearing really flashy clothes x)


15. What was your most stupid incident?
I almost got hit by a car? I don't know. I seem to do that often, because biking is freaking dangerous nowadays.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My friends, even if they are not near me right now. I know I can always talk to them about anything, really. I can't say the same for my family.

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
I went back to see my family, especially my grandmother. She doesn't have many years left.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?
I'm taking back the goals I failed in 2016, mainly about the novel and short-story. I'll put it on my fridge so I don't forget to work on them. Apart from that, I want to finish chapter 2 of my webcomic that I'm planning. Then, I want a job this summer and I'd also like to pick some sports like swimming and ice skating.

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
6. Nothing exeptional, but I have some fond memories.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
I've been here for long enough. I don't see why I'd leave now. I love this forum.

 

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?
I became a stronger person, in that I could be clear on what I wanted to do, and stand up for myself when things are unfair.

2. What did you do over the summer?
Got four teeth taken out and braces. Haha.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Nonexistent as always.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?
Brexit. I woke up really early to watch the results come in, and laugh as Remain's dreams were all but crushed. I had never felt more patriotic. That day was Sports Day, so my parents let me stay off school to study and sing Rule Britannia at the top of my lungs.

5. Favourite song from the year?
I don't keep up with what music comes out this year.

6. Favourite artist this year?
See above.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
I made a resolution to visit the local Indian restaurant, which I'm doing this Friday!

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Taken my Maths GCSE mocks a year early. Hopefully that means I can get my qualification early as well.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
Myself, if that counts.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
I learnt that things are often too good to be true.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?
Nothing I'd call life-changing.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Can't think of anything.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
Yes, something called the ECDL. It's a computer thing.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Christmas Day. It was really fun that year.

15. What was your most stupid incident?
I did so well pretty embarrassing stuff, so I couldn't just pick one.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My family, my friends and my education.

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
On Christmas I opened some presents, hung out with my cousins, all the usual stuff. I don't celebrate the new year as such.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?
I made one that I said earlier. I hope that the British people can unite and let the freedom fighters take the lead in the future of our nation.

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
Eight. Some great stuff happened, and nothing terrible happened to me. Overall, I think it was a pretty exciting year and I loved watching the world change and the establishment come unstuck.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
Of course I will.

 

Started it with some depression since my life seemed to go nowhere.
But started working in a kindergarten at the end of March. Worked there for 6 months, and loved it.
But decided to try some other kinds of jobs for the last 6 months of the program I was in, to see if there was anything else I could enjoy, in case it'll be hard to get work in kindergarten again. With all the predator cases in this city last year, it has become harder for men to get a job in a kindergarten.
For the last 3 months I've worked in a job I haven't liked, so in december I couldn't be bothered to show up.
Now I'll be working in a canteen. Make food and sell it. Starting on Thursday.
Well anyway, that's now, not 2016.

Back to 2016.
Most of it was good, was some negative shit in it unfortunatly.
The bowling season was mostly alright.
The team I play on is 4th among 10 teams.
Next match is against team 2 in the club, and they need to win it. BUT, we won't play shitty on purpose, so they better step up their game if they want to win. I played pretty good yeasterday.

I hope 2017 will turn into a better year. Got plans to get an education, and I might get a job in a kindergarten again. As a sub.

 

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?
Having a great first semester at school for the first time in the second half
2. What did you do over the summer?
Visit friends and family in Germany and Turkey
3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
None
4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?
Th election of Donald Trump
5. Favourite song from the year?
[YOUTUBE]UMVPQIs94wI[/YOUTUBE]
:lol:
Actually... (sorry for the vagueness) but too many to pick from
6. Favourite artist this year?
Idk as this year has been catch-up on quite a bit of stuff from the years behind and thus I can't comment on for what came out this year
I guess, Irrational Games (I know the studio has been winded down) as I played the BioShock games this year which have been possibly some of the most influential fiction on me personally in terms of my storytelling and the like
7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
I did last year but can't remember
8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
The first semester of 10th grade
9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
Myself for 10th grade and my German teacher for putting up with the crazy class lol
10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
The 2nd semester of 9th grade was awful
11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?
I have started writing stories that I don't instantly discard and actually take pride in
12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
First semester of 10th grade
13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
My social skills improved a little and my self-confidence due to my grades
14. What is your happiest memory from the year?

15. What was your most stupid incident?
My public rage outbreaks in the 2nd semester of 9th grade
16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
That I am finally passionate about myself and my stories
17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
Just stay at home and play a bunch of new (short) video games and go hiking with my dad
18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?
To go further with my social life
19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
For me: 1st half 3/10 2nd half9.5/10(I gues nothing's perfect
For the rest of the world: 2/10
20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
Possibly not but I hope to though I've seen some annoying trends appearing on here that just give me an uncontrollable disdain for online forums

---------- Post added 9th Jan 2017 at 07:13 PM ----------

Oh, my happiest memory was laughing and talking with some kids in my literature class like the people I envy most.

 

Spoiler

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?

I’ve got to say, 2016 was a rather stable year for me. A whole load of nothing happened in my personal life. I guess, preparing for Uni/ going to University open days. No real “big change”. I changed my hair parting but that’s about as thrilling as it gets. XD

2. What did you do over the summer?

I turned 17. If I remember correctly, I may have gone to a holiday park. Summer seems like such a long time ago, it’s weird. Admittedly, I’m drawing blanks on some of these questions- makes me wonder if I was just sleep-walking through 2016. Seriously brain, what’s up with that?

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?

Still non-existent.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?

Definitely the Orlando Pulse shooting, and some of the disgusting comments I’ve seen by others on the subject. Also, Brexit. Oh, and don’t forget Donald Trump becoming president in the United States, oh and Theresa May becoming Prime Minster in the UK after David Cameron quitting when it was found his opinion to remain was smaller than the vote to leave. And the Truck attack in Berlin at the very end of 2016. Oh, and all the celebrity deaths. Damn, 2016 was certainly one big year for news.

5. Favourite song from the year?

Heathens- Twenty One Pilots

6. Favourite artist this year?[/B]

Twenty One Pilots

7. Did you make any new years’ resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?

“To get up earlier, go to bed earlier, be more productive and to have more fun. Just generally trying to improve my mood and enjoy the little things in life more”.

Yeah… I didn’t stick to any of these. XD I guess I had a tad more fun.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?

I guess opening up more and becoming slightly more confident.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?

I can’t think of anyone really. No one comes to mind.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?

Define “hard”. I feel like I have become slightly more sceptical due to 2016.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?

No.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?

I took part in Karaoke and went to a gaming event.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?

An overall pass grade for the first year of my course.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?

Having fun at the gaming event doing Karaoke, and beating my friends at Street Fighter.

15. What was your most stupid incident?

I’m sure I did plenty of stupid things last year, and will continue to do so. :eusa_doh:

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?

Right now, I appreciate my friends and family. I do long for something interesting to happen though, I’m so bored.

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?

Well, I did have plans for the new year- but they cancelled on me because they were only allowed a certain amount of people, and plus me being a girl their family were probably worried something was gonna happen since from my understanding I don’t think they tend to have girls over. Of course, it wouldn’t have done (for obvious reasons) but I can understand this concern. Plus, the person who invited me admitted they had crush on me and kept flirting with me even when I told them I was gay and showed my disinterest.

They eventually got over it, but none the less hanging around with them drunk might’ve been awkward, it was probably best I didn’t go to that party. Anyway, I spent Christmas and New year with my family, quiet night in as usual.

18. Are you making any new years’ resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?

I think I might just give up on resolutions altogether, so no. Unless having a resolution to not make resolutions counts. Ha. The irony.

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?


I gave it a rating of 4 out of 10.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?

Probably. (!)

 

Wow still nobody has said 2016 was the best year ever.

 

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?
I moved to another city and lived without my parents for the first time.

2. What did you do over the summer?
I applied for various universities and tried to enjoy not having to go to school ever again while having an existential crisis.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
I was in a very brief long distance relationship, so not very good. Still better than every year before though :lol:

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?
The Orlando shooting :icon_sad:

5. Favourite song from the year?
As if I could pick only one.

6. Favourite artist this year?
I don't have one.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
No.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
I told my family and friends about my depression and started to talk about a tiny amount of my problems and feelings.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
Nobody.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Way too many.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?
Yes, a lot!

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Yes.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
I graduated from High School and got my Abitur, so yes.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Graduating from High School with good grades.

15. What was your most stupid incident?
Moving to another city where I didn't know anyone while suffering from depression, which I didn't tell anyone.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My parents :love:

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
Like every year: Christmas with my close family and New Years Eve sleepover with friends.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?
I am not a person that makes new years resolutions but I want to start treating myself and other people better. I also hope I will manage to sort my life out.

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
1. Worst year of my life and in general.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
I don't know, probably? I can't predict the future.

 

Still no one has said 2016 was the best year ever.

 

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?
i found the love of my life

2. What did you do over the summer?
spend a lot of time with my gf

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
great/worst/best/sad/amazing/horny/lusty/REAL

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?
probably Trump

5. Favourite song from the year?
couldn't say just one, so i'll name some groups: My Chemical Romance, Bring me the Horizon, From Ashes to New, Florence and the Machine, Of Monsters and Men...

6. Favourite artist this year?
idk ;c

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
not really, i'm kind of and overthinker, so i thought of these things many years ago, now i just rethink them, but it's difficult to think of smth new, cuz i really think a lot..

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
nothing actually, i became worse version of myself than i wanted...

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
no one actually

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
no matter anything, you must always count only on yourself the most...

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?
lots of sex..

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
i fell in love..

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
from school to university

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
the 9th of february

15. What was your most stupid incident?
i wanted to hug my girlfriend and we fell over on the ground ;D

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
my gf

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
literally not to die ;D

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?
i never make resolutions, i just for the moment, it's difficult to plan for me..

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
9

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
without a doubt ;s

 

Spoiler

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?
I came out as trans

2. What did you do over the summer?
Go on trip round South Africa

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
No relationships

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?
So many things, orlando, the presidential election...

5. Favourite song from the year?
I can't answer that

6. Favourite artist this year?
twenty one pilots / alan walker

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
lol not really

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
coming out obviously

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
A friend of mine and my parents

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Quite a few things I guess

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?
Well I mean I started socially transitioning which is a pretty big thing to me.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
coming out... ( ik again lol)

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
nope

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Don't know

15. What was your most stupid incident?
Also don't know

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My family and friends

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
Have a good time with my family

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?
hopefully I won't be as addicted to the internet (it's not been working so well)

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
5, there were some really bad parts but I also made a lot of progress so I guess it levels out.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
Yup!

 

Spoiler

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?
Some family drama

2. What did you do over the summer?
Where to begin?

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
A+

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?
Brexit OR trump WTF

5. Favourite song from the year?
I love this happy little number called "Crimson Halls Of Blood" by Thyrane. It's been kicking around for years and I only discovered it last year

6. Favourite artist this year?
"Deathspell Omega" definitely ranks high. Of course there are too many awesome artists to pick from!

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
I don't make NYRs

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
The crazy amount of time I've devoted to exercise

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
Myself

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Not really

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?
Not really. The closest thing is I've started feeling more like my old self

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Maintaining a fairly regular schedule

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
Not really

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Bloodborne or Dark Souls III. Or maybe all the knives I've bought last year

15. What was your most stupid incident?
Oh, boy, there are so many contenders! Maybe trying to watch Sword Art Online II. I'd rather hammer a three inch nail into my foot than watch anymore of that stupid shit

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My physical health

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
Watch a lot of anime and spend as little time as possible out in the cold

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?
Nope

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
If A+ is the best and F- is the worst, then I'd give it B-

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
Dunno

 

I voted 6 which I guess was better than the 4 last year. I don't expect anyone to care about my responses here but I'll post for reference next year maybe.

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?
Graduating from college probably.

2. What did you do over the summer?
Worked and applied to professional schools.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Meh. It was kinda a tough year .

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?
Not sure.

5. Favourite song from the year?
Planets of the Universe. Didn't come out this year.

6. Favourite artist this year?
Stevie Nicks. "Discovered" her this year.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
No and n/a.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Graduated from college; got into professional school.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
Older brother.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Not particularly.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?
No.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Not really.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
I graduated so I guess that counts and started a job...

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Hmm not sure.

15. What was your most stupid incident?
Don't know.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My guardian angel. Jk. Kinda. I swear some higher power has been aiding me.

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
Just spend time with family.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?
No. I need to get over my anxiety and fix some health problems. So I hope to stick to seeing doctors and not ignoring it.

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
6

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
If history suggests anything then yes. I could die in a crazy accident though you never know.

 

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?

A family drama resulted in my becoming financially independent and living outside of home, which was a substantial change, obviously.

2. What did you do over the summer?

The summer at the beginning of 2016, I spent relaxing in Sydney before beginning uni, and the summer at the end of 2016 ended up being partly winter because of travel.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?

In the beginning of the year, my love life went badly. From September continuing through to now, I've had a really good relationship.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?

Obviously Trump's election was an unfolding horror throughout the day it occurred and I will remember it for a very long time. But I also remember waking up after surgery to find out that we had a government after a very uncertain week, and while lower-stakes, that stuck with me.

5. Favourite song from the year?

I couldn't choose.

6. Favourite artist this year?

I really got into Glass Animals this year.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?

I committed to balance taking uni seriously and having fun. That worked, though I don't think the resolution had anything to do with the learning curve of how to be wild and get HDs I went through.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?

I improved immeasurably as a competitive debater and dropped a lot of the snobbery I held from school.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?

My father's become so happy in retirement I can't help but feel a really fuzzy sense of pride that he's actually enjoying life, even with the death of his mother.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?

A few. A lot of them related to having to actually take care with money.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?

Few seminal moments, but just a really broad sweep of changes. I did feel my identity shift away from feeling Finnish with the death of my grandmother and the realisation that my family life is rapidly moving purely to Australia and away from Europe.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?

Not really.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?

Not really a qualification, but for a job I had to get a complete police background check which is pretty helpful to bring to future jobs.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?

I had a small room party with my best friends after finishing the year and it was just the most emotionally comforting experience.

15. What was your most stupid incident?

I passed out in a park and had to go to class at 9am the next morning.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?

Oddly broad as it is, a few medical incidents and travelling have really made me appreciate being Australian as never before.

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?

I had a quiet Christmas with my mother, her mother and my brother and spent the new year in Europe.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?

I'm going to take more responsibility with money and really tightly stick to an academic plan.

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?

9 for substantiveness and the fact I've learnt quite a lot, which I put answered on the poll, even though it was emotionally very difficult.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?

Look, who knows. I left EC for a while but decided it wasn't too much of a waste of time.

 

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?
Realizing that I was bisexual and coming to terms with it!

2. What did you do over the summer?
I took a few fun classes, crushed on a few girls, crushed on a few guys, started to discover my sexuality, spent a lot of time on youtube.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
No relationships, I'm not dating yet.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?
Trump getting elected

5. Favourite song from the year?
It wasn't necessarily written this year, but my favorite song is "Bad Apple" ft. Hatsune Miku

6. Favourite artist this year?
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
I didn't make any resolutions

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
I was accepted into my school's honor choir

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
My friend, the most unathletic person I know, who chose to play sports with me and one of my other friends this year.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Not particularly

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?
I learned that the honor choir that I sing in is going to National ACDA March of 2017- this is the highest honor for a choir in the USA and we will be performing alongside some of the best choirs in the nation and world.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
I learned to shoot a bow.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
Nope.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Being accepted by the girl I like.

15. What was your most stupid incident?
In French class, we were playing a game and I tripped over literally nothing as I ran to the front of the room.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
The fact that I am going to perform at National ACDA with some of the best choirs in the world because of the hard work that was put in by my choir director and his previous choirs.

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
We were going to go to California for Christmas, but we decided not to. On New Year's Eve/Day we went over to a friend's house, where I attacked people with pillows, got shot with a nerf gun, and beat my brother at chess. Twice.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?
I am not making any resolutions, but I hope to come out to the rest of the people that matter and overcome my depression.

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
I would rate it as an 8 because I have done some pretty amazing stuff, spent time with my crush, and actually succeeded in basketball, volleyball (ish) and choir. This year would get a rating of 10 if it hadn't been for Trump's election, the fact that for the entirety of last school year I had no friends, and my depression/suicidal thoughts during the beginning of this school year.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
Probably

 

2016 was a rough year for me, mostly due to my bipolar depression. I switched jobs the end of last summer to one that is less stressful so that helps as stress is one of my triggers.

Last August I took a two week trip to New England and Nova Scotia. It was very enjoyable, certainly the highlight of the year.

I don't check in here as often as I used too. Though I'll still check in from time to time in 2017.

 

2016 was an AWESOME year! A couple of family issues, but I had a lot of fun and feel like I've really grown as a person.

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?
coming out to myself

2. What did you do over the summer?
Whitewater Kayaking, moved (Temporarily) to California

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
non-existent

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?
Trump

5. Favourite song from the year?
not new, but Boulevard of Broken Dreams

6. Favourite artist this year?
Not new, but Imagine dragons and Green Day

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
I stuck quite well to my resolution to chill out, have fun, and not rush things and it has made my life a million times better.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Making it to state level of the Geography Bee

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
My sister, for being so damn smart.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
There will always be people who are negative assholes and you can't change that.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?
Living away from my family for a few months when my dad was getting brain surgery made me realize how much they really do mean to me.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Everything I did this year I would never have expected, but I am so grateful my life has taken a turn for the better

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
idk what this means but I'm in middle school now does that count?

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
swimming in the river with my best friend

15. What was your most stupid incident?
I fell asleep on my bike for half a second and crashed really bad

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
Literally ANYONE who ever took precious time out of their busy lives to make friends with me I thank from the bottom of my heart every day, even if they're not there. Also oxygen. Gotta love oxygen.

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
I don't make plans. I just do things

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?
I want to live so far in the moment I barely worry about anything

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
9. I Had an AMAZING time, but the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. (it's infinite)

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
yes. Just yes.

 

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?
I graduated High School and got my first job.

2. What did you do over the summer?
I worked. My old summers were laying around at home all day..I actually enjoyed having something to do over being bored.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Single af lol

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?
I have no idea. I guess all the celebrity deaths..and that little boy that was attacked by an alligator..

5. Favourite song from the year?
No idea...I can really get down to "Sorry" by Justin Bieber, which is slightly embarrassing.

6. Favourite artist this year?
Not sure.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
No I didn't, because I know that I can't.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
I raised up quite a bit of money for the poor earlier this year. That's the only thing I can look back and say that I've actually done.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
My sister got her Masters' this year..so good for her..haha

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
I don't think I had to learn any lessons that I didn't already know. Back in February a friend of mine got into a car accident with two of his close friends and they all past away, that was just a bizarre..experience for me, that I can see someone on Thursday, perfectly healthy and go to their funeral on Wednesday.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?
I graduated, got a job...

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Not that I can *think* of

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
A diploma? Does that count as anything haha

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
All of the good times I had with my friends.

15. What was your most stupid incident?
Oh..wow..I feel like there are so many and I've blocked them from my memory.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
Everyone surrounding me

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
Christmas- traditional family dinner New Year- Nothing but I hungout with friends

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?
No lolol

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
6 or 7

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
We'll see. Possibly. I go on and off.

 

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year? I've managed to be more vocal about what ails me and I got a new job this year.

2. What did you do over the summer? Worked and enjoyed spending money again.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends? Nonexistent. More so like a distant dream.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016? Trump winning the election and the aftermath of the Orlando night club shooting. It was interesting seeing the nation come together and support one another as people for once.

5. Favourite song from the year? Send My Love by Adelle; it's a powerful song about strength, maturity, and growth from a bad relationship.

6. Favourite artist this year? Didn't really have one; nobody really stood out to me.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them? I really don't remember.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)? I took and am taking the necessary steps into securing my own future.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)? Janet Jackson, she had a baby at age 50 and she still looks fantastic. Very commendable.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months? Life is rarely if ever fair.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016? Went to my first gay club, it was certainly not what I expected but it was.. an experience.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do? Nah, not really.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications? I don't think so.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year? The Halloween season was probably my happiest.

15. What was your most stupid incident? Don't really have one.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment? My health and the essentials.

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year? I was going to do Christmas bigger than ever; I was going to get everyone presents and decorate the entire house and everything.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different? Definitely not as I am not too optimistic for what'll happen over the course of the next four years.

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)? About a three or four. I had a couple of highlights in the early to mid year, but everything about this year was terrible.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year? Perhaps.

 

1. What was the biggest change in your life this year?
-I figured out my gender identity and came out to my parents.

2. What did you do over the summer?
-Literally nothing.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2016?
-Trump winning the election or pulse.

5. Favourite song from the year?
-Perhaps "The World is Ugly (but you're beautiful to me)" by My Chemical Romance.

6. Favourite artist this year?
-My Chemical Romance (oops)

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
-I never really made one tbh.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
-Coming out to my parents, even though it didn't end well.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
-My best friend for overcoming her transphobia and supporting me.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
-My parents won't accept me any time soon.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2016?
-Not really, no.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
-I joined an all girl's school. I'm an idiot.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
-Nope.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
-Going to a town carnival with my two best friends.

15. What was your most stupid incident?
-Suicide attempt/excessive self harming. Glad I stopped.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
-Honestly just being alive.

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
-Nothing really, just to relax.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2017? What do you hope will be different?
-To find ways to compromise with my parents on my identity and self-expression.

19. How do you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
-3

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
-I sure hope so, I joined really recently and already love it.