“This year has taught me that life can be kind. That it isn’t something I have to outsmart, that it isn’t something I have to control at all times. This year has taught me that life can be soft, even when it is not, even when it’s edges are rough and it’s messy all over — it can still hold a lesson, can still grow me from the inside. See, this year has taught me that life doesn’t always have to be cruel, that circumstance can kick you down, but it can never hold you down if you choose to rise.”