Things have been really horrible this year. I've encountered so many stressful situations all at once, as if I was running my head into a wall on purpose.

Recently, things have been getting better little by little. My family has been absolutely spectacular in helping me, I have reestablished my true, good friends, and I have a job prospect.

I have always strongly believed that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I have learned so much this year about the world around me, and I have found that I am strong enough to take whatever is thrown at me.

I realized that I can be quite stubborn when it comes to asking for help. I have a little bit of a perfectionist streak in me, so asking for help can make me feel like a failure. It is still quite a bit scary to reach out, but the outcome is so rewarding. People can be so helpful, especially those who care about you. My boyfriend has done so much for me, in fact, I don't know where I would be without him. I have realized who my true friends are, and they have held my hand every step of the way. My family is so encouraging and supportive; I know that they are always behind me.

It's so important to surround yourself with good people. It's easy to become friends with a not-so-good person, just as easy as it is to become persuaded by them to do not-so-good things. I've had friendships that have kept me from doing schoolwork, drinking on school nights, and lying to others. I was blind to what affect they had on me. It took some low grades and disappointed friends to help me realize what I was doing to myself and my world.

I now consistently strive to surround myself with like-minded people. Some of my values are success, hard work, ambition, and happiness. If the people around me feel differently, than I don't want to be friends with them. It's nothing against them, but it's important for me to have similar people in my life. There are only positive results. Currently, my friends are always reminding me to study, work hard, keep my goals in sight, and to do what makes me happy. Because they have the same values, they can reinforce positive actions in my life and remind to stay on track.

I don't know where I would be if I didn't have these amazing people in my life. I owe them so much, and I can only hope to do for them what they've done for me.