Do you remember first grade? And as soon as it turned November, your teacher would ask everyone to draw hand turkeys. Then, you would have to write a list of things you're thankful for.

Well, this article is gonna be kinda like first grade (minus the hand turkeys).

1. My parents

I mean obviously, I'm thankful for them because without them I physically would not exist. But I also appreciate how much they love me, encourage me and care about me. They do push me to do well in school but they also remind me that they love me all the time. In pushing me, they encourage me and remind me of my talents and strengths. We're really close because I don't have any siblings so it's just them and me. They care about me so much and I miss them sometimes.

2. Homemade food

Okay to clarify, by homemade I mean made by a person that I know and preferably am related to. I really miss my mom making squash and pasta for me. And my dad makes really great salmon and ribs and I can' t get those just anywhere. The food here at school suffices, but nothing is as great as my mom's meatloaf.

3. My education

Even though college literally costs as much as some surgeries, I'm glad I had the ability to come here. I do have an incurable thirst for knowledge. I also happen to be a very curious and inquisitive person. And the way that college allows you to question and learn is beautiful. Also knowing that there was a time in history that all races weren't allowed to go to school together and that there was a time that women were not allowed to go to school. But so many brave people came before me and made the impossible, possible. So that makes me thankful for my education every day.

4. My strengths and abilities

I've done a lot of thinking about the things I do well. Especially since I sometimes struggle with self-esteem. And I realize that I have some unique strengths and abilities that make me talented and special in ways that are important. They may not be as valued as much as other people's but that doesn't make them irrelevant.

5. My car

Okay, that's a material thing but I didn't have one until last summer. I love that when I need to go somewhere I can just go, I don't have to ask anyone or borrow anyone's car. I just leave. It really is beautiful, new and revolutionary. I've never had this experience before in my life. I just like having something useful that is actually. Also, my car is super cute and I got something that I actually wanted since I'm the one paying for it.

I don't think that when I was six, that I would've been able to think this deeply about the things I'm thankful this deeply and in depth. I most likely would've said my Bratz dolls and what cute thing my mom had just bought me from the Children's Place. So I mean similar to first grade, but now I'm thankful for things that actually matter and have shaped me.