To My Friends and Family:

I want to begin by saying thank you. Each of you has had such a huge impact on my life, whether you realize it or not. I may not see all of you as often as I’d like to, but when I get the chance, it is always very special. I do not know what my life would be like if I did not have the positive influence of your love.

My Parents:

Thank you for being my backbone and support system through all of these years. Since the day I was born, you have shown me unconditional love, patience and support. I would not be the person I am today without you constantly pushing for me to be the best version of myself. I would not be who I am today without you, which makes me truly thankful for all that you have done and sacrificed for me.

My Sibling(s):

Thank you for being the family I confide in and being my best friend, even when you annoy me like no other. I always know that I can rely on you to be there for me, even when others may not be. You are someone I can trust and tell all of my secrets to. You are one of the only people who knows just how weird I really am, but still love me anyway. Thank you (and sorry) for being the one I can always blame my mistakes on at home. Through whatever life throws our way, I know you will always be right by my side, and this is why I am forever thankful for you.

My Grandparents:

Thank you for being just as supportive as my parents are. From every sporting event, dance recital, and school concert, you have always been there. I will never go hungry whenever you are around due to the endless amounts of homemade food you never fail to offer me. Whenever mom and dad say no to something, you are my next option. I am so thankful for the love you have given me, along with the amazing homemade meals and endless support all of these years.

My Boyfriend:

Thank you for loving me unconditionally, through the thick and thin. You have held my hand through every hardship and celebration of life. You never ignore my phone calls at 3 a.m. when I am having a mental breakdown from the stress college brings, or simply just need a ride home from a party. I am thankful for all of our adventures we have shared. Literally, through sickness and health you have always been there for me and picked me up when I have been down. I am thankful for the love I receive from you day after day.

My Aunts and Uncles:

Thank you for always making me laugh whenever the whole family gets together. You make the family drama entertaining and always make family gatherings fun. If I ever need advice, and can’t go to my parents, you are my go-to people. I am so thankful to have so many wonderful (and humorous) aunts and uncles in my life. Also, thank you for giving me the best cousins one could wish for.

My Cousins:

Thank you for being my first best friends. Whether you are my older or younger cousins, you have given me childhood memories I will never forget, and will cherish forever. As we have grown up together, there have been so many family traditions we have shared, and I am forever grateful for them. You make holidays and family gatherings extra special by always giving me someone to hang out (and cause trouble) with. My older cousins have guided me in life, just as older siblings would have and I have enjoyed watching my younger cousins grow up into the amazing individuals they are today.

My Friends:

Whether you are one of my hometown friends whom I have known forever, or a recent friend I have met at college, I am so beyond thankful for you. In my opinion, friends are just as important as family. You get me out of (and in to) trouble, and give me the memories that I will carry forever. Most people see their friends more often than their family, making friends some of the most influential individuals in one's life. I am thankful for all of the memories we have made, laughs we have shared and tears we have wiped from each other’s eyes.

Traditionally, November is a time to give thanks. However, I am thankful for my family and friends all year, not just in November. Without each and every person in my life, I would not be who I am today.