In light of the holiday season, I am finding myself filled with gratitude. God has blessed me abundantly and I have a lot to be thankful for. Here are just some of the blessings in my life.
1. My Mom, who I can always count on to trust and push me to my greatest. She serves as a role model for who I want to be when I grow up.
2. My Dad, who helps me whenever I need it, and I know will always love me no matter what.
3. Tarra, my sister who has been through literally everything with me. My playmate, my teammate, and my best friend, my life would not be the same without her.
4. My home in Pennsylvania, where I have spent the past ten summers, and it has provided me with some of my favorite memories along with my best friends. It has made me the person I am today.
5. My friends in Pennsylvania, Stephanie, Paul, Nick, Baily, Erin, and Leah - they know me better than anyone else. Since we are long distance friends, I can confidently say that these are friendships that will last a lifetime.
6. My home in San Ramon, especially now that I am in college, I am extra grateful for this place that I get to return to spend time with family and friends.
7. My high school friends, since I don't see them as often, I am extra thankful for the time we did get to spend together and the memories those times provided.
8. The people who keep our community safe, the fire fighters, police officers, doctors - these are some of the most selfless people.
9. Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church, it is quite literally my refuge, and especially since I do not get to go often now, I cherish every moment spent there. It made me the person that I am today.
10. My friends from church, they all know who they are. They are some of the best friends I have ever had and continually show me the love of Christ. We have an inseparable bond that not even distance can break.
11. Pepperdine, I absolutely love my school as it is filled with limitless opportunities and a truly amazing and encouraging community.
12. My college friends, from my suite mates, to my teammates, to my sorority sisters, to my housemates, everyone I have met is such a wonderful human striving to be closer to God. I am in such an encouraging community, and my new friends have made the transition so much easier.
13. Dougherty Valley High School, for it's spirit and passionate educators. It did a great job of shaping me and preparing me for the next level.
14. Mentors, my mom, Brad Erickson, Ms. Murphy, and Devon Haley - just to name a few.
15. Younger people, like Breezy Bochenek or the children I worked with at church. They are always so happy and bring light to my life. It often times seems as if they have more wisdom than myself.
16. People who have come in and out of my life, like my Great Grammy Flickinger, Mr. Lichty, and Michael Cook. They have all taught me valuable lessons.
17. Music, there is always a song that can relate to how you are feeling.
18. Track, it is my greatest outlet and feeling strong is so important to me.
19. Writing, simply because I love to do it and not a lot of people know that.
