As Thanksgiving approaches, I've started counting all the blessings I have in my life. In Italy we do not celebrate this holiday, but I wish we did. I am saying this not only because I think that the baked Turkey and pumpkin pie are delicious, but also because it’s a wonderful occasion to spend time with our loved ones and to reflect on how blessed we are.

Here are 5 things I am thankful for:

1. A family who loves me no matter what

“Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing”

My family is everything for me. They are my biggest supporters and they've helped me get through some tough times. I think family is life's greatest gift and I will be eternally grateful for the unconditional love and constant encouragement that my family gives me. My parents have been married for more than 20 years now and they are my role models: my dad has inspired me to fly high and my mom has taught to be resilient and to fight for my dreams. My siblings are my best friends and partners in crime. My brother is the funniest guy I know and he never fails to put a smile on my face. My sister has a good heart and a talent for doing make up so she helped me get ready for go out on multiple occasions. I am so blessed to have such an amazing family and I miss them everyday.

2. Friends that always have my back

"Friends are the family we choose for ourselves."

It's hard being so far away from my country and sometimes I get very homesick. My friends know that and they have showed me so much love and support that I consider them my second family. From driving me to the grocery store to pretending to be my mom at Honors induction ceremonies and taking an embarrassing amount of pictures, my friends have always been on my side through thick and thin. I am so grateful for each and everyone of you (sorry if you aren't in the picture) and I thank you for being in my life!

3. A man who makes me happy

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and to be loved in return." - Eden Ahbez

My boyfriend brings so much happiness in my life. He treats me like a princess and he makes me smile so much my cheeks hurt. He taught me what love is and he encourages me to be the best version of my life. My man has a heart of gold, a beautiful, altruistic soul, and an irresistible sense of humor. We share a passion for memes and good food and he is always down to go on an adventure. I could not ask for a better person to fall in love with. I am the luckiest girl in the world!

4. Good health

"Mens sana in corpore sano"(a healthy mind in a healthy body)-Juvenal

I have never broken a bone (knock on wood), and I also have never been to the hospital for a serious illness or a surgery, so I feel very blessed. It's not that I am completely immune to sickness because I definitively catch the cold and flu every year, but I have always had an iron immune system. I am very thankful for being in good health and, after seeing the suffering of some sick friends of mine, I learned to not take it for granted.

5. An excellent education

"Education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world"- Nelson Mandela

I am so grateful to be studying in a top tier American university surrounded by competent professors and goal-driven students, but not everyone is this lucky. In some parts of the world such as Afghanistan and Chad, women still do not have access to education. Forced to marry at young age, and growing up thinking they are men's property, these girls never realize that they have a voice. This situation is unacceptable. Knowledge is power: people who are educated and know their rights can make a difference in the world. My personal goal is to work hard so that every girl can have the same educational opportunities as I have.