[Rob]

Hello everyone,

This year has been challenging and full of change. There have been many days of shock, sorrow, and frustration for us all – in the world, on TeenHelp and undoubtedly in our own lives too. As the world rapidly changes around us some changes have been for the better while many have not. There has been global uncertainty from widespread disease to terrorism and civil war.

But despite the challenging times equality is growing in the world. It is becoming more acceptable to be who you are and not who society tells you to be. It is becoming more “normal” to be proud of your “abnormalities.” But the world as we know it only exists because we do. We each have our part to play in making the world a better place. We hope you will wake up each morning and ask yourself what you can do to make a difference today. Something as small as smiling at a person in the street can be important in accepting that person.

Like the world, TeenHelp exists because of our users. Without you, our users, it wouldn't be the special place that it has become for many. Each one of you has the ability to make a difference in the world and on TeenHelp. We are extremely grateful to each and every one of you for sticking with us through the challenges, for your thoughtful contributions to the site, for those old users who have returned and for the new users who have only recently joined our community. Together you all make TeenHelp what it is.

This year is drawing to a close, and as it does we hope you will reflect on what the year has brought us, whether that is things lost or things gained. As a new year starts we each have the chance for a new beginning, to do the things that make you happy. If this year hasn't gone to plan then we have the chance to start fresh in 2015.

Be proud of what you can, and will, achieve in the coming year. Be proud of what the world is achieving with each new day. And above all, be proud of who you are. You are unique and you are special. We hope you remember that all year around!

Happy holidays!

Rob,
On behalf of TeenHelp.