In a world that's full of poverty, greed, hunger, racism, sexism, murder, rape, and other horrible occurrences; it's hard to be happy, let alone thankful for what we have. However, since Thanksgiving is coming up I think we should all take a step back and consider what all we have to be thankful for.

Below I've listed three things that I'm grateful for in order to help you start thinking about what you have to be thankful for.

1. Friends

They've comforted me in my hard times and laughed with me in the good. Without them, I don't know where I'd be. Especially my roommate (the one in orange) for keeping me focused on homework and giving me sound advice like when she tells me to "suck it up buttercup!" when things aren't going the way I'd like or I don't feel like doing a particular assignment. I am definitely thankful for my friends and I thank God for them everyday. I'm truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.

In our world, good friends are hard to come by. So cherish the ones that you have. This Thanksgiving, remember all the friends who've stood by your side over the years and made you smile. Whether they're friends you have now or friends you used to have in the past, be thankful for them. They've helped you in more ways than you probably realize.

2. Family

My family has always been important in my life. They've put up with a lot from me over the years and I wouldn't be here at Wesleyan without them. Even though it's hard being so far from them, I know they're only one phone call away. To have such a loving family, I'm very lucky and very thankful.

Not everyone has biological family that they're close to, but we all have that one friend (or a couple) that is as good as. So whether or not you're close with your family, keep them in mind over the holiday. Count your blessings to have those that support and love you no matter what!

3. School

As funny as it might sound, I'm thankful to be in school. A lot of people take this privilege for granted most of the time. What many don't realize, is the fact that education really does make a difference in people's lives. Without an education, no one would know how to do anything. Lawyers wouldn't know how to handle a courtroom, doctors wouldn't know how to do surgeries, business owners wouldn't know how to run their shop or company; the world would be a much different place if no one got an education.

With that said, I'm thankful for all the teachers I've ever had and that I will have in the future. They've all made a big difference in my life and I will take the lessons they taught (academic or life) with me wherever I go.

This Thanksgiving, no matter where you're from or where you're going, take a moment to think about everything you have. Be thankful for the life that you're living (even with all the rough patches) because someone, somewhere, would love to have what you take for granted everyday.

Hopefully, all this got you started on thinking about what you have and why you should be grateful for it. The only thing I have left to say is have a great (and grateful) Thanksgiving!