Happy Thanksgiving! What a wonderful time to be surrounded by family, friends, and piles and piles of food. In years past, when it came time to say what I was thankful for, I automatically said the classic "my family and friends". This year, however, I have really thought about what I want to say when it is my turn to state what I am thankful for.

Food.

I never realized how much I cherish a homemade meal until I came to college. Nothing makes me happier than knowing that not only will I get the homemade meal when I go home for the holidays, but I will also get leftovers to bring back with me!

Family.

I am obviously so grateful for my entire family. They continuously support me, even when I feel like giving up. They are always there for me no matter what the situation is, and they are always on my side and have my back. In addition to my own family, I'm giving thanks for the families that have taken me in and treated me like their own while in college. It makes it a lot easier knowing I have people to go to here in Lafayette when I cannot make it home to Baton Rouge.

Friends.

To those who have stuck by me through the absolute roughest days to the happiest moments, I am thankful for you. You have pushed me to be the best version of myself and have shown me how to better my life when I needed it. You rock and without y'all I would not be able to survive life.

My job.

Never take a job for granted. I may not like waking up to go to work all day, but I am lucky enough to have a job, so there should be no complaints.

My little sister.

While technically she would be a part of the family category, she needs her own separate space. I am so thankful for her because she shows me what determination is. I have never seen someone work so hard in school. It is because of her that I constantly want to be the best version of myself, so she has a good role model to look up to.

My ability to go to school.

Not everyone gets the chance to go to college, so I sure am thankful for the sleepless nights, constant stress, and even the breakdowns that come with college. I am thankful that my parents worked hard to get me here and that I have the opportunity to do something great.

The person I have become.

I am not the same person I was in high school. I am not even the same person I was last year. Just taking a look at all that has happened since last Thanksgiving, I am thankful for who I am as a person. I am thankful for the lessons I have learned, the friendships I have made, and the people that have come and gone in my life. With every situation I have encountered, I have matured. With every person that has left my life, I have learned how to be strong. With every person that has come into my life, I have learned to lean on others. With every lesson I have learned, I have become a better version of myself.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my friends and family, but I am also thankful for so much more. This past year has been one full of ups and downs, but I am thankful for every rock bottom and glorious high that has happened. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!