Throughout my short 19 years of life, I've lost and gained many people. Though we all learn valuable lessons from everyone in our lives, the people who are no longer there are sometimes the ones who teach us the most important lessons. Whether it's friends, ex-boyfriends, or family, there is something to be learned from every person that has entered and exited your life. People come into our lives to teach us a lesson; sometimes when that lesson has been learned, there is no longer a need for that person stay around.

To the friends who have left my life: thank you for teaching me some of the most important lessons I've ever learned. It was always a privilege to know and learn from you, and I'm refusing to spend my time bitter because of a friendship that has ended. On that end, you have taught me patience and the ability to move forward, rather than remaining upset over things that cannot be changed. I am grateful to have experienced your friendship and the opportunity to learn about life from your perspective. I have been very lucky to experience the gift of friendship in my life, and that is enough.

To my exes: thank you for giving me love. You gave me the opportunity not only to experience love but to learn how to show it as well. You were not just a boyfriend, but someone I genuinely enjoyed spending my time with. Thank you for being my best friend for the time that we were together. Just because our relationship didn't work out does not mean that it was a waste of time. Often, ended relationships are just lessons that teach us what we do and do not want in a lifelong partner. Being your girlfriend gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself, how I react in certain situations, and what I can and cannot handle. I would not be the person I am today without the lessons that I have learned from my failed relationships. I am grateful for the continuing friendships that I have with my exes because even though our relationships failed, the underlying friendship that was always there is now one of the things I most appreciate.

People who come into your life are put there for a reason. Whether it is to teach you something and eventually leave, or if it's to stay as a permanent part of your life, there is always a reason. I would not be the person I am today if I had not had friends walk out of my life, or if I had not had a couple failed relationships. These things are all a part of growing up, and at 19 years old, I know there are still plenty of lessons to be learned. I am excited about the ride.