2016

Wow, seeing '2016' just brought back a flood of memories! Can you believe it's been that long? For me, 2016 was peak high school – senior year, to be exact! It was a whirlwind of emotions, friend drama, and trying to figure out what was next. I remember feeling like everything was changing so fast, but at the same time, we were all just living in the moment. One of the biggest things that defined 2016 for us was definitely social media, especially VSCO. Everyone was obsessed with getting that perfect, sun-drenched, slightly desaturated aesthetic for their photos. I spent hours trying to find the right filter combo for my 'effortlessly cool' shots, usually with a long, intricate necklace or some cute hoops to complete the look – you know, that classic blonde hair, blue eyes, sun-kissed vibe that was everywhere. It wasn't just about the photos, though; it was a whole mood, a way of expressing ourselves. We'd share everything from our homecoming dance pictures, where everyone was dressed to the nines (I still remember that sequined dress in one of my friends' throwback pics!), to casual hangouts with our besties, often with flower crown filters on Snapchat that we thought were SO cool. And speaking of Snapchat, that's where so much of our 'teen tongue' really developed. The memes, the inside jokes, the ridiculous filters – if you weren't on it, you were totally missing out on half the conversation! We'd spend hours sending silly selfies, like those deer face filters or just making puckered faces with our pets. It was all about being authentic but also having fun and not taking ourselves too seriously. The way we communicated, the slang we used, it all felt so specific to that time. Whether we were planning our next adventure, like those rainy-day walks with colorful umbrellas, or just chilling in the car singing along to the radio, every moment felt like a core memory being made. I also remember the pure excitement of things like Homecoming 2016. The planning, the outfits, taking photos with friends and dates – it felt like the biggest event of the year! And who could forget those iconic unicorn and Wonder Woman onesies for sleepovers or themed parties? So many laughs and unforgettable moments. Even just cuddling with my little tabby kitten felt like a whole vibe back then. It’s crazy to look back and see how much has changed, but also how much of that 2016 spirit still lives on. What about you? What iconic high school moments or teen trends from 2016 do you remember most fondly? I'd love to hear your throwbacks!