The Most Exciting Thing About 2016

2016 holds a large significance for many people.

It is the year of the Rio Olympic Games and of the American presidential election.

For some, 2016 will be the best year of their life; for others it may not be so great.

However, for myself and thousands of other Australian students, 2016 is most exciting for one reason: it's our final year of high school.

Since the age of five, we have spent six hours a day, five days a week for the majority of the year in school.

2016 marks the end of our secondary education and with it brings a close to the certainty and regularity of the routine that has defined our lives. For many this may be terrifying but I, for one, am excited.

As our final year begins, our eyes are opened to the bountiful opportunities of the real world, from options for study and work, to options of missionary work and travelling. 2016 holds with it an intriguing opportunity for eyes to be opened and minds to be blown.

As we are prepared through the education system to enter mainstream society, we will become aware of many trials and tribulations. We are guaranteed that these will not be easy; that there will be times we will feel the need to give up; that our resolve will be tested and that our relationships from school will be strained.

On its own, this warning stands as terrifying but it does not have to be. In addition to the stress that year 12 will bring, it will also provide a chance to strengthen friendships and to develop the all-important connections of the work force.

The 2016 school year will provide a chance to discover passions we were previously unaware of and to enhance the skills and talents that have led up to this pivotal moment of our lives.

As we enter the final year of our secondary education, we are uncertain about what lies ahead but we can be certain of one thing: 2016 will be a year we’ll never forget, filled with stories that we will fondly reminisce over for decades to come.

To the class of 2016, enjoy the year of guided independence, do not try to rush your journey to graduate, listen to the advice of those of have gone before you and make every moment count.

No matter who you are or where you are, go into 2016 with an open mind.

Congratulations to Mikki for winning this writing challenge, answering: The Most Exciting Thing About 2016. Mikki wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Comps section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge!