I am proud of myself. It feels so good to say that.

I can remember a few years ago when I was truly proud of myself and that slowly faded as my struggles started to happen. A few months ago, I was a broken, unmotivated person not knowing what to do next. I wasn't sure about my future and I left negativity take over my life.

When this semester started I wasn't sure how it was going to go. I promised myself that I would try to be positive and only surround myself with positive people. It wasn't obvious if the people that I became friends last year were still going to be around, but they were and we are closer than I ever thought we would be. I also found other people that I am happy to call friends. The best thing is that we all have the same interests, for the most part. Some of my closest friends want to be educators just like me which makes the friendship that much more meaningful.

I put so much effort into my classes this semester which is the main reason for this article. I cannot remember a time in my life where I ended a semester with all A's but I am proud to say that I did just that. I like to think that because of my negative experience with classes last year, I was put on the path I am truly supposed to be on. I really put a lot into my classes but it wasn't hard because of how much I enjoyed them. I am so glad to be pursing an education degree because it makes my classes so much fun.

Lastly, I am proud of myself because I am making my family happy. This holiday season is about giving most of all. I used to not understand that. I thought it was all about receiving but it turns out it means more to give. Whether that is giving your time, your love, or presents that is what is most important this season. It feels so good to see my parents, sister, other family and friends happy and that is all I want this time of year.

Hug your family, appreciate what you have, and be positive!

Happy Holidays!