It's that time of year again to reminisce on all the wonderful things to be thankful for. Often times it is hard with all the curve balls life often throws our way. It is very important to think about all the great things we do have in life which is what this time of the year is for. I have been blessed with a ton of things throughout my life but here are six things I am especially grateful for this year.

Being A Duke Dog

Flickr Creative Commons

This is truly one of the most unexpected blessings in my life. JMU was never on my radar as my future home but I have never regretted my decision ever since. I have grown so much here at JMU and have gained so many connections. I am truly thankful for being able to go to sleep every night and be a Duke Dug.

Being an RA

Mary Minns

Having the opportunity to be a resident advisor is one of the best opportunities in my life. Not just cause of the benefits of being an RA but also my co-workers. I could not ask for a better staff to have my first-year RA experience with. I have never felt like I could rely on another group of individuals like I can with my coworkers. We are more of a family than an RA staff. Not to mention I have the best residents that I could ever ask for.

My Study Abroad Experience 

Mary Minns

I have always loved to travel and have gained something every time I return home, but nothing compares to my study abroad experience. I was blessed to experience the world and come out as a better person for it. I had the time of my life with four other lovely women. I gained one of my best friends from this experience. I can not express how grateful and thankful to have her in my life. Overall, I am so blessed to have had this chance of a lifetime.

My best friend and partner in crime

Mary Minns

Since 7th grade, this goofball has continued to stand by my side through thick and thin. This year has been one of the hardest in my life and she has continued to be there and support me more than I could ever imagine. We stayed best friends even with going to separate schools. She is one person I can always rely on and go to through everything I go through in life.

My Ying to my Yang

Kim Crump

Literally, a match made in the stars. I will always be grateful for having met one of my besets friends when I didn't even really know myself. As years have gone by I can just feel our relationship growing. She never ceases to surprise me with her undying and relentless friendship with her absolute dedication. I will forever be grateful for having her by my side.

The two best women in my life

Mary Minns

I am only who am I am because of them. I am only beautiful because they made sure I was on the inside and out. I am only tenacious because they made sure I was. I am only who I am because of them. Even though my grandma is not here with us this year I will be grateful this year and every year after because I can say I am Addie Lousie Granddaughter and that I am Kim Michelle crump's Daughter. The most important thing I will ever be in life is their daughter and granddaughter.

I am always thankful for all the other wonderful things in my life such as having a place to stay and food to eat. But these wonderful people make living life worthwhile. You can have all the basic needs in life but life is not truly wonderful without people such as these that you know will always be there for you.