Christmas is over, and the new year is approaching. I believe that even though it may seem overrated, with all the commercialism attached to it, it still represents a new beginning. It is the time when students advance another year, when people have new beginnings, when we experience renewal. Isn't the new year a time to make resolutions? A time when we try to change for the better, to improve ourselves.

It is a time of reflection also. As I think back, it amazes me how much I have changed over the years. I am only 17. Still young in some older people's eyes, yet to the young I am old. As I child I thought of how nice it will be to be 17, with all the privileges of that age. Well, it is no different to me. But this year, 2007, has been a turning point. I had finished my secondary education, and was enrolled in the South Australian Matriculation, a pre-U course. Now I have also completed it and got my qualifications. This year is marked with milestones: Learning to drive, traveling on my own, making new friends, enjoying more freedom, studying for myself, and so many more. This year has been full of experiences for me, good and bad. But I enjoyed myself this year. It is something I will cherish when I grow further.

Next year will bring more changes. Friends will grow further apart as we spread out to different colleges, different universities. Families split as we teenagers leave home to further our education. With all this changes, we will definitely change ourselves. But will we manage to keep the memories that link us together, and maintain our relationship as we grow further apart? I certainly hope so.

Once, I thought that being 17 was great. Now, I just realize that it is the threshold to something greater. But it also comes with sacrifices. So, as the new year comes, let us go forward to be who we are, to challenge ourselves, and more importantly, to cherish out time together.