SAYING GOODBYE TO 2017

By ERIN WILSON

ERIN WILSON FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

As the year is coming to a close, there could not be a more appropriate time to remember all the trends that changed 2017.  This year was full of crazes that have shaped the way future generations will one day view our generation.  It has given us major changes in fashion, pop culture, and even literature all around the world.

The changing trends in apparel were apparent throughout the halls of Washingtonville as the wardrobes of students dramatically changed over the course of the last twelve months.  Around the community, knee-high boots and velvet attire became very popular.  Alexa Neybold, senior at Washingtonville High School, proclaimed that her favorite fashion trend of 2017 was definitely “hoops. I see more people wearing them now.”  Even though hoop earrings have been around for a long time, 2017 was truly a time for them to make a serious comeback.

However, not all fashion trends this year were ones to remember.  Celebrities tried to bring fanny packs back to the fashion industry.  In addition, Emily Gerdin, junior at Washingtonville High School, did not like “t-shirt dresses because they just weren’t my style,” while Alexa’s least favorite was “cold-shoulder tops.”

Pop culture and the media had a huge impact on not just the Washingtonville community, but the world in general.  Much to the dismay of teachers everywhere, fidget spinners became all the rave, as millions have been sold globally.  In addition to this, Amazon.com’s Echo, also known as Alexa, became significantly popular at the end of 2016, two years after its release, but continued to increase in popularity in 2017.  According to Forbes.com, there were estimated to be 22 million Amazon Echos sold in the year 2017, and this statistic is only expected to increase in the upcoming year. 

Alexa Neybold owns an Amazon Echo, and she “would 100% recommend an Alexa to other people.”  Not only does the Echo play music, “she makes jokes and also makes peaceful rain sounds” which would be great for those sleepless nights. 

One of the most popular trends this year was the fidget spinner.

Lastly, more and more pieces of literature were published this year; Milk and Honey, by poet Rupi Kaur, and 13 Reasons Why, by Jay Asher, were at the top of the list.  Both of these books portrayed situations that not everyone is incredibly comfortable talking about.  Asher’s best-seller’s success could also be attributed to the fact that it was made into a Netflix Original TV series.  Both of these books were released prior to 2017, but this year was definitely one of the best years for the books showing how much they truly impacted people all around the world. 

Rebecca Flood, senior at Washingtonville High School and lover of books, expresses that Milk and Honey “is powerful and inspiring with its short but breathtaking poems that tell of traumas and truths written in a way most girls can relate to and understand. It is a moving book.”  Alexa Neybold, who watched the TV series 13 Reasons Why, voiced that it “showed how such small things can affect people.”

There are many anticipated events expected to happen in 2018, such as the first American, Meghan Markle, becoming a part of the royal family, the Winter Olympics, along with the release of many exciting blockbuster films. 

This year was one that will be remembered, as many things happened that will carry on into the new year. There is no doubt that 2018 will bring many changes, events, and also trends that will leave an impression on the people of the Washingtonville community.