1. Old Campus
While I do have to tromp up four stories to get to my room, once I’m there I can gaze out my window at the gorgeous view. Up in Durfee, I can see through the treetops across Old Campus, and it is so lovely. Especially with the leaves changing colors and falling. At least once a day, I look at my surroundings and feel totally overwhelmed about how amazing my new home is.
2. Durfee swipes
I never would’ve thought I’d be thankful for $8 worth of junk food, but I’d starve every Tuesday and Thursday without it!
3. Friends who literally live a few feet from me
It’s really nice knowing that I can walk a very short distance, knock on someone’s door and enter before they even answer. Anytime I need encouragement, motivation, or a laugh, I know exactly where to go. And it isn’t very far. I’m so glad to have met such incredible people who find my southern accent charming instead of annoying. Yay friends!
4. My classes
I have tests every week in French and a paper due almost every week for one of my other three classes, but despite that, I love them. All of my classes are so interesting, and I feel like I’m learning so much. My professors are all amazing and intelligent people, and so are my classmates. I am so grateful to be receiving such a great education.
5. Groove
My dance family was such a major part of my life for so long and leaving them behind was the worst. Nothing could ever replace that family, but I am lucky to have found a group of girls who love to dance and goof off together. I wouldn’t know what to do with my life if I wasn’t dancing, and I’m glad I have people I can share my love of dance with.
6. My boyfriend Justin
We were dating this time last year, but we were still in that awkward new relationship stage. Now, a year later, I can’t imagine anything being awkward between us. This is another instance of distance making the heart grow fonder, I guess (ugh, cliché and lame). I am so thankful for someone willing to listen to me chatter about mundane things for hours every night, someone with almost unending patience, and someone who can piss me off and make me laugh practically at the same time.
7. My best friend Mikaela
While I was thankful for her last year, I don’t think I was nearly as thankful then as I am now. Moving 800 miles away from everyone I know was pretty tough, but the distance has done nothing but made me love this girl more. No matter what, I know I can text or call her and get an immediate answer. And it’s always exactly what I need to hear. I’m so proud of her and everything’s she’s doing and I know she feels the same way.
8. My (best friend’s) parents
Because they bought me a plane ticket home for break just so I could spend Thanksgiving with them. And because they’ve basically adopted me. And because they are supportive, kind, and funny. (And because Mom is one of the best cooks ever; I can’t wait to eat Thanksgiving, omg).
9. My aunt Linda
I am so thankful for an aunt who treats me like a daughter, who always says what I need to hear, who always answers the phone (even when it’s the sixth time I’ve called that day), who always understands, who I know will always love me and always want what’s best for me, who will always inspire and motivate me even if she doesn’t know that. All of this was true last year; it just took me a little while to realize it.
