I first became an aunt at twelve years old, and since then I’ve had five more nieces and nephews (whether they’re biological or not). On Friday the 13th, my youngest niece, my baby, Alivia, turned two, and between the happy tears and the hysterical sobbing of realizing how old she is, I realized how thankful I am for all six of them. Even if I don’t see all of them always, they’ve all taught me a valuable lesson in life.

I am thankful for them because they’ve taught me, patience. When you have a ten-year-old on your couch on a sugar-high playing GTA, that’s something you need to learn fast (I know, I’m a great babysitter). They’ve been with me while they were sick, while they were hyper, and while they were sad, and they always felt comfortable coming to me for all their problems knowing I’d help them with whatever they need. This especially helps when I’m at work, and the teens start getting on my nerves. I take a step back and think, “If this was my niece/nephew, what would I do?” and it helps me calm down.

I am thankful for them because they’ve shown me the innocence in the world. I’m a firm believer in the phrase “people suck” but they are always proving me wrong. The way they look at the world makes me have faith in not only them, but in humanity. They teach me how to not judge a book by its cover, even if it’s hard sometimes.

I am thankful for them because they teach me silly things all the time. Whether it’s the new thing they learned in science class or if it’s a new app or Youtuber, they’re more knowledgeable than I am when it comes to a lot. Especially when it comes to the internet!

I am thankful for them because I can share my knowledge with someone that I know will value it. Teaching them essential lessons such as karma and the hygienic benefits of washing your make up brushes is so important. Knowing that I can make something a little bit easier in their lives is something that makes everything better.

I am thankful for them because they teach me how to be a kid again. When it comes to pranking their uncle or wanting to make slime, before turning to someone else, they always turn to me. They know instead of judging them, I'll either join in or tell them what to do. I’m still someone they want in nerf gun battles, and they always value my opinions when it comes to stealing cars in GTA.

I am thankful for them because they’ve taught me a love I’ve never known. I know family love, friend love, and romantic love, but loving a child is an entirely different type. You’re always wondering where they are or how they’re doing or even caring about the smallest accomplishments. I celebrate my niece’s word developments the same way I celebrate my nephew’s band developments. They know that I’ll always be their number one supporter, whether they’re pronouncing something wrong (like “Min Mow” instead of Minnie Mouse) or they suck at their instrument, I’ll always be the obnoxious person cheering them on.

I am thankful for a lot because of these children. They taught me lessons I could never learn on my own and I’d forever be in debt to them for. My nieces and nephews are my life.

If you see me on campus, I’ll probably stop you and tell you all about them.

Once you get me talking, you won’t get me to shut up.