Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and you know what that means. It’s time to gain 15 pounds in 24 hours. I know I’m ready to visit with family and friends over a giant feast, but I think it is absolutely crucial to remember that this holiday has a greater purpose than eating my bodyweight in stuffing.

Thanksgiving is truly all about remembering what you’re thankful for, but more importantly who you’re thankful for.

First off, I am thankful for both of my incredible parents and my brother. My mom has sacrificed more than I could ever even imagine to give my brother and me the things we want and the childhood we wanted. She exudes more confidence and strength than anyone in this entire world.

My dad always has the right thing to say, whether it be meaningful advice, or the dad joke I just had to hear to make my day a little brighter. He knows just how to bring my worried mind back down to earth, and he constantly keeps me sane. My brother is one of the most driven and successful people I have ever met. He never listened to anyone who said his dreams weren’t attainable, and I try to keep his same mentality with my own future.

Second, I am thankful for my roommate and best friend. I know I can be quite the challenge to live with sometimes when it comes to leaving my socks in the living room and literally never taking the trash out, but you manage to deal with me anyway. You’re the most trusted person in my life besides my family, and our late night talks mean more to me than you could ever know. Thank you for always calling me on my BS and for knowing just how to deal with me when I get upset or frustrated. You read me better than I read books for class, and I love you for it.

Third, I am thankful for all the lovely ladies in my sorority who have taught me how to love myself. I have been so incredibly lucky to be surrounded with the absolute highest type of womanhood, and I aspire to be a little more like each of you every single day. I feel constant love and support from each and every one of you, and I am proud to be a part of an organization that benefits one another and also the rest of the community. Thank you for pushing me to be my best by taking on leadership roles both in and out of the house. I wouldn’t have even an ounce of the confidence I have in myself today if it weren’t for all of you.

Also, I just have to give a super special shout out to my fam, my group of best friends I made from living in last year, and my amazing roommates from the house. You all know me better than I know myself.

Fourth, I am thankful for my English teacher from my senior year of high school. I never would have had the ability to write and express myself as comfortably as I can now if it hadn’t been for you. I feel so lucky to have you as a role model and as a friend. Thank you for reigniting the spark of my love for English and literature that I had lost throughout high school. I wouldn’t be as successful in my major without everything you taught me.

Finally, I am so unbelievably thankful to the friends from home that I grew up with. You gave me a new definition of what home means, and you were always my home away from home. Thank you for teaching me what values I look for in new friendships, and thank you for always checking in on me, regardless of the time or distance between us.

I am so lucky to have grown up with people who were always rooting for me. I have never experienced support from anyone like I have from you guys, and you all are still the first people I want to tell about everything going on in my life.

As we stuff ourselves silly with Thanksgiving dinner this year, keep in mind the people who mean the most to you. I feel so grateful to have the amazing people that I do, and I hope that you all do, as well.