Things are winding down at the end of the Fall 2015 semester, which means I am mentally preparing myself for the onslaught of last-minute papers and stressful final exams. However, in this moment I am forcing myself to take a step back to look at the current state of my life. Though school keeps me busy and stress is inevitable, I have so many reasons to be thankful this holiday season.

1. My family

My family has always been my number one. My parents are my biggest supporters, and my aunts and uncles are my inspirations. My cousins might as well be my best friends. I know that when things get tough - as a college student, things get tough often - they will be there for me. It is bigger than providing me with a place to stay and food to eat - they are an abundant source of unconditional love. In my opinion, there is no relationship more emotionally fulfilling than that of family. This Thanksgiving I am grateful to have the family that I have.

2. My boyfriend

If my parents are my biggest supporters, my boyfriend is my biggest fan. When I have a moment of weakness, he is there to remind me how much he loves me. When I am feeling down, he brings me back up. When I am feeling alone, he makes me feel needed. I know that I can conquer anything life throws at me, because he makes me feel like I am on top of the world. This will be our second Thanksgiving together, and I am thankful to have him in my life as we fall more in love everyday.

3. Southeastern Louisiana University

This might sound a bit silly to be on my list, but I am so thankful to be able to attend my university. Not only did the school give me enough scholarships to take the edge off the cost of higher education, it has also given me a second home in Hammond, Louisiana. I wake up in the mornings looking forward to the day's classes - I know that some of my professors will greet me by name. My Latin professor, Dr. Schroeder, will often scold me if she sees me with a Starbucks drink in hand - she knows it is likely my second or third one that day. I am so happy to be at Southeastern Louisiana University with my Lion pride!

4. My friends

My friends might be the biggest bunch of misfits I know, but they are my world. We are a giant circle of diverse individuals who are brought together by a mutual affection for Super Smash Brothers and Yu-Gi-Oh tournaments. We have been close since high school, and our friendships will likely stand the test of time. This knowledge makes me happy, because I would not have it any other way. They give me another place to call home, except this one is in Baton Rouge. I am thankful for friends at the Power Table at the LSU Union. Eat a potato for me!

5. My car

Again, this might sound like another silly thing to add to my list, but I am thankful to have a reliable car that keeps me safe. My 2007 Nissan Versa hit 200,000 miles just last week - it has seen many commutes and long road trips. It is the car I learned to drive in, so it has a few dents in it (sorry, Dad!). It is simple, no bells and whistles, except for the aftermarket head unit I put in for music. I keep the oil changed and tires rotated, and it just keeps rolling. Transportation is one less thing for me to stress about within the chaos of my life.

6. My job

Applying for the undergraduate consultant job at the Writing Center was the best on-a-whim decision I ever made. I have two supportive bosses who think highly of me, and my coworkers make me feel included and valuable. I practically live in the Writing Center since I am always working, but it has become another home for me. It is a friendly environment with unlimited coffee access (!!!) and everything else an English major could want. I always look forward to coming to school anyway, but I also look forward to punching in - it means I get to talk to clients about writing! I am so thankful that the Writing Center chose me to become part of their staff.

7. My life

I realize it sounds cheesy, but it is true. This morning, I woke up at 5:30 a.m and got to see the changing colors of the sky as the sun caught up with me. I enjoyed a fresh cup of medium roast coffee with French Vanilla almond milk creamer as I took my daily vitamins that keep me strong and healthy. I carefully chose a purple pencil eyeliner - I wouldn't have time to use the black liquid one. I grabbed my extra phone charger (my job allows me to be able to afford extra ones) and darted out the door when my friend picked me up. I am lucky enough to have a car pool buddy to save on my gas bill. Tomorrow I might wake up and choose my liquid eyeliner, because everyday is a new opportunity to do something the same - or to do something different. I am thankful that I am alive and well and able to enjoy all that has been given to me.