Reminiscing

In the past 365 days, we have seen just about everything. From rejoicing to weeping. From celebrating life to mourning death.

In January, we were introduced to a new controversy pertaining to Jodi Arias and the murder of her boyfriend. This led to numerous posts on social networking sites and it soon became as famous as an earlier scandal involving Casey Anthony and the death of her daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Some of my childhood went down the drain as stars of my past favorite shows took a turn for the worst. Miley Cyrus, formerly known as Hannah Montana, made her debut into rebellion by releasing ‘We Can’t Stop’. She continued down the path of adulthood with ‘Wrecking Ball’, which was hard to watch due to exaggerated, suggestive choreography that will leave a scar on the face of 2013.

Throughout this year, we have endured many storms as a nation. Many of these storms are metaphorical, as many of them are all too real. From the nor’easter that hit the west coast in February to the bombing that claimed the Boston marathon, our country’s emotional state has been shaken. With several major shootings and other tragic events, it has truly been a test of strength.

Saline County displays amazing unity. We can see this as we reminisce on the hurdles that we have jumped together. Strangers gathered together to support Kali Hardig as she courageously conquered parasitic meningitis. Every year, we sit side-by-side to watch football and practice playful sportsmanship as Bryant, Benton and Bauxite all compete in America’s favorite pastime. There is no other place that I would rather be than Saline County. We will conquer the new year, hand-in-hand, together.

Controversies have also taken the reigns of news channels over the year. Obamacare can’t seem to get off of the newspapers and out of the conversations between Twitter and Facebook users. Recently, a new debate surfaced, sending 2013 out with a spark between feuding groups. Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the hit television show, ‘Duck Dynasty’, was questioned about his definition of sin and his opinion on homosexuality. Like most people do when they are asked a question, Phil gave his answer. As most Christians would do, he stated his beliefs and made it clear that his response was based on Biblical morals. This set fire to a nation hungry for argument.

Many people look on the days of 2013 and regret what they did or did not do. I, however, am pleased with this year. Yes, there were times when I would like to change the way I reacted to something or change the outcome. But, I am very proud of how far I’ve come not only physically or mentally, but also emotionally and spiritually.

I have also been given a unique opportunity to put my words to print in this paper. I am grateful to the Saline Courier for allowing me to use their paper to put my brand on 2013. Rarely do public news sources recruit aspiring writers at my age. This chance to get my name into society is valuable to me. Although I compose a column every week, I truly don’t know the appropriate way to say thank you to my editors, Brent Davis and Steve Boggs. Even when I move on to find a career elsewhere, I will always hold this journalism experience close to my heart.

2014 is a new canvas. There will be crooked strokes and there will be strokes worthy of a masterpiece. Our nation is the artist, and I believe that we can create the most beautiful work of art out of the New Year. Past tragedies are the scars of 2013. Misused weapons and political mistakes are no match for a country that stands together. Let’s charge at 2014 like we own it. We are America.