After reflecting on the past 11 months of 2017, I would like to recognize some of the many things we have to be thankful for.

1. Your family.

My family ALWAYS has my back and they are always there for me when I need someone to talk about. I REALLY don't know where I would be without them. Thanks, fam.

2. Your roommate.

This year I had such a positive and supportive roommate. One time she even left several sticky notes with encouraging quotes like, "what she tackles, she conquers" around our dorm room when I was going through a hard time. Her thoughtfulness, determination, and independence is nothing short of inspiring.

3. Your church.

My closest friends at home are DEFINITELY my church friends. They are the best people to surround myself with. They believe in me and support me and check in on me even when I'm away at school. Most of my mentors from home also go to my church and I believe I have some of the best role models there.

4. Your education.

My teachers from grades K-12 have been some of the greatest influences on me. Now as a college student, I have these professors that genuinely care about my success. There have been countless opportunities and open doors for me throughout all years of my education that I recognize to not be offered to every student across the country, or even world.

5. Your job.

I'm thankful for the two jobs I have back at home. Not everyone can have a job, and I am blessed with two. I have learned a lot from both of these jobs, made friends, and also money!

6. Food.

According to dosomething.org, roughly 805 million people who go undernourished on a daily basis, consuming less than the recommended 2,100 calories a day.

7. Your health.

I'm thankful for both my physical and mental health this year. There is always room for improvement, but I feel that because of my health there were a lot of things I experienced this year that I could not have without a healthy mind and body.

8. Your expertly organized planner.

This one might seem silly, but 2017 is the first year I have used a planner routinely. I would be lost without it.

9. Your relationships.

My boyfriend this year has become my best friend at school. I can talk to him about anything (sometimes complain far too much) but he always listens to me and makes me feel better when I'm down. It would have been a ROUGH semester without him and

10. Clubs & organizations on campus.

I am involved in my school's student-run news organization! They are a second family and I can always count on them to make me laugh and feel appreciated.

11. Your ability to travel.

This year I went to my favorite city, Chicago, with my family. I love new experiences, despite how overwhelming they may be at times. It is ALWAYS worth it.

12. Your lessons learned.

Throughout the year, I have learned a lot about life, myself, and other things. Without bumps in the road, I would not have learned or built the confidence I now have. I am thankful for the curve balls life has thrown me in 2017.

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18