I can't believe October is already here. I remember New Year's Day like it was just last week! If there's one thing I can say about this year as it is soon coming to a close in just a couple short months, it's that it's definitely had its fair share of positives and negatives.

I visited a city I've never been to before.

To live a good and exciting life, it is extremely vital that you set aside enough time to make sure you get out there and explore what this beautiful world of ours has to offer. I was lucky enough to explore the amazing city of Los Angeles this past summer, and I can honestly say it was one of my favorite trips I've ever taken. From Hollywood to Santa Monica Pier, the city is just incredible. There's always something going on and it's impossible to find yourself bored.

I removed people from my life that I used to be able to call "best friends."

It's crazy to think how you expect to be lifelong friends with certain, special people that you've met along the way and then a flip switches and everything changes. The ones you thought you knew, you realize you never really knew them at all to begin with. This kind of situation was something I never in my life planned to encounter; I thought I had the most genuine people in my life that I was able to trust, no matter what. Sadly, I was extremely wrong. It sucks, but it's also a blessing in disguise when you think about it. I've decided to learn and grow from this experience, and also paint out the kind of people that I truly want in my life in the future; now that I know what signs to look out for in a person.

I got a new puppy!

Enough said. Because what makes a year better than that, right?

I've dealt with sudden deaths of loved ones.

Something that I would never wish on my worst enemy would be going through the death of someone close to you. My English teacher from Senior year passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, and I found out while doing one of my daily activities; just casually scrolling through Instagram. My eyes didn't want to believe it, but I later found out it was true. She was more than just a teacher, but I also always knew that I could come to her outside of the classroom and talk to her about anything and everything. There is no doubt that she had a lasting impact on every person that came in contact with her. Death of loved ones is something that I've had to deal with far too often throughout my entire life, and it never gets any easier each time.

So, I guess the point of me writing this article is to say that although 2016 has had its equal amounts of ups and downs, it has also brought me to where I am right now at the same time. To be honest, I'd say I'm becoming more and more content with the way my life is playing out thus far. The main thing I need to focus on is not looking back, but rather look forward at what my future will hold for me. Here's to the soon ending of one roller coaster of a year.