Another year is upon us. This means new memories, with old and new friends. Also, figuring out what the heck you are doing with your life while handling the roller coaster ride in the process.

As the new year begins, everyone expects it to be bigger and better than the previous. I'll be honest while watching UGA make it to the playoffs, I thought the same thing. Unfortunately, with joy comes sadness. The following day another family member of my dad's side succumbed to cancer.

That's two in just a few short months. Why? Sadly, we anticipate the death of another cousin to another form of cancer. It's very hard to look forward to a new year when you get thrown to the ground every time you turn around. Does the sorrow ever end?

The new year, to me, means loving and losing. While I'm excited to return to school and progress in my major, I know that back home I'll be losing a pet soon. I have had her ten years, which is a blessing.

However, I never really accepted there would be a day I would no longer have her. She was supposed to live with me after college while I transition to being on my own. I never imagined I would have to make the decision to put her down or watch her suffer while we find a way to make her comfortable as the kidney disease takes over her little eight-pound body.

It's hard to move forward, but life does not simply pause or stop. The days keep rolling by and we do what we can to make them count. This year I am determined to be the best version of myself, not only for me but also for those surrounding me.

While we know there will be bad times ahead, let us look at the positives in any given situation. Yes, I know that is a hard concept. How can something so bad have some good in it?

We may not see the good immediately but we must have hope it is there. Every little thing truly happens for a reason. It sucks to not know why I definitely understand that. However, I know it is a part of God's plan and he has a reason for the bad.

So, here's to 2018. May the year be filled with more joy than sorrow. May I learn new things about myself and further my development into the teacher I desire to be. Here's to making new friends and doing twice the traveling I accomplished in 2017.

I hope to make 2018 my best year yet and you should strive to do the same. We cannot wait for life to fulfill our wants and needs. We must go and pave the path on our own. So be brave, be bold, and be daring. There are thousands, even millions, of moments and adventures just waiting.