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Chico State

2016 Taught Me…

Cole Richards
A header image stating "2016 Taught Me."
The year 2016 is coming to a close, and what a year it has been. It is safe to say we have experienced quite a bit of evolution as a a society and student body this past year. With any luck, 2017 will be just as exciting in the way that it shapes our future, and we can only hope that it takes all we have learned from 2016 into account. We asked students to share some of the things 2016 has taught them that they will carry into the new year, and even got a few words of encouragement from President Hutchinson herself.

#2016TaughtMe…

“People aren’t always who they say they are, but life gets better.” -Brooke Harmon, sophomore

“College is the best and worst time of your life.” -Caitlin Catania, freshman

“Live life to the fullest, and know how you should be treated.” -Aminah Fox, sophomore

“It is possible to be even more productive.” -Samer Shenouda, junior

“Nothing is permanent… Take a step back in the moment, breathe, and let the solution present itself.” -Rachel Ward, senior

Sara Whitchurch, senior, said she learned to take care of herself in a more “radical way,” building community and a support system to rely on. “It feels like everyone needs each other right now,” Whitchurch said.

Finally, President Hutchinson reminded us of the power and depth of human spirit, and stated that “people are resilient … and it’s that resiliency of human spirit that gives [me] faith in the future.”

Our Instagram users had a couple things to say…

bridge__b said, “#2016TaughtMe that there is a bigger picture and we need to start paying attention”

jenniferllara said, “#2016TaughtMethe year can finish way differently than it started!”

And Twitter finished it off with a GIF…

In the end, we can take the lessons and experiences, good and bad, that we have had in 2016 into the next year and make something new. With every bridge we cross as a student, teacher, University, and society, we create a future we can hope to be proud of. We learn to grow from one another, and make a difference by listening to the past and the voices of our accomplishments and our mistakes. So long, 2016. Bring it on, 2017.

Share what you learned this year in the comments below or with #2016TaughtMe on social media.

Cole Richards
Cole Richards

Cole Richards was the social media intern for University Communications. They graduated in the spring of 2018 with a bachelor's degree in political science with an option in legal studies, and paralegal certification.