2012: The world changed. Did we as well?

As the ball makes its annual descent in Times Square to mark the beginning of a new year, I always enjoy taking the time to reflect on the 12 months that were. I keep a journal throughout the year, marking down not only what is going on in my life, but also what is occurring in the world around me.

Whether we realize it or not, a lot of change occurs in our lives in 365 days — or 366, this past year. Let us take a look back on the time that has passed us by.

Packed with numerous events, 2012 was quite the year. Those who doubted the credibility of the predicted Mayan apocalypse were right, Karl Rove’s vehement prognosis of a Romney victory was wrong, and the jury is still out on whether Robert Griffin III (RG3) can save Washington, D.C. fans from an insufferable future with the pigskin.

We lost some illustrious and talented Americans in 2012, too. Neil Armstrong, Andy Griffith and Whitney Houston all died during the 12 months of 2012. Yet, we also discovered people like Jeremy Lin, Gabby Douglas and that Honey Boo Boo kid.

Last year also marked the first time that I can remember where a song with lyrics that are mostly compiled of an entirely different language dominated my Internet, my television and my radio. The allure behind South Korean artist Psy’s worldwide phenomenon Gangnam Style is still beyond my range of understanding, but I applaud him nonetheless.

It was a year where we were inspired. Austrian daredevil Felix Baumgartner’s world record jump from over 24 miles up, a jump where he fell over 800 miles an hour and became the first person to break the sound barrier, boggled our minds and made anyone who watched the live stream wince at the feat.

NASA impressed us as well, landing yet another rover on Mars, a planet we sometimes forget is 250 million miles away. The landing marked the end of an eight-month trip to the red planet for the rover named Curiosity, a piece of machinery that is as big as a car and a little more expensive, with a total cost of about $2.5 billion.

Not only were we encouraged by the feats of thrill-seekers and space explorations in 2012, but we were also subject to some of the worst tragedies the nation has seen since the new century. We learned where Aurora, Colo. and Newtown, Conn. were, though in the worst possible way. Regardless, the outpouring of love and support throughout the calamity showed that we still care for our fellow man.

Our country’s generosity was also shown after Hurricane Sandy made her way down the East Coast. According to the New Jersey newspaper The Record, donations to the seven major charity organizations totaled more than $220 million.

These tragedies taught us that we as a nation can still pull together — for however short of a time that may last — in times of unthinkable cruelty.

The Summer Olympics in London showed us that our world can still pull together and get along for a few days — yet again, for however short of a time that may last. More than 200 nations and nearly 11,000 athletes captivated us for two-and-a-half weeks.

Although, I am still not certain about what was going on during the opening ceremonies.

But the biggest accomplishment of 2012 is that we made it. God has blessed us with another year of life, another year to make a difference.

Though the days ahead of us may seem daunting, especially as the schoolwork incrementally increases on top of our desks, do not forget that we have a chance to change the world.

There is no questioning that the world around us changes, it is just a matter of whether we want to be the reason that it does.