On Nov. 3, Ariana Grande shocked the world with her new single about self-love, “thank u, next.” The catchy song addresses issues with her previous relationships and centers on the idea that she is independent and happy by herself.

Just two months ago, her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller passed away and less than a month ago, her engagement with Pete Davidson was called off. Saying Grande has had a rough year would be an understatement.

Grande mentions her ex boyfriends by name towards the beginning of the song, including rapper Big Sean, soccer player Ricky Alvarez, SNL comedian Pete Davidson, and the late rapper Mac Miller. She briefly acknowledged her past relationship with each one in a grateful tone.

Grande then showed appreciation for her experiences, stating “one taught me love, one taught me patience, and one taught me pain.” She continued on to explain how her failed relationships impacted her positively and helped form who she is today.

“It showed how she grew on her own and managed to make it so she’s the most important thing to come out of these relationships,” junior Sita Edwards said.

The chorus is a simple and sassy repetition of the short yet powerful phrase “thank you, next,” which shows how she’s moved on yet realizes some positive results of her difficult past.

“She supports the idea of not relying on a man,” Edwards said.