As Thanksgiving approaches, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of that delicious, giant feast you get to stuff yourself with on Thursday. The food is definitely one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving. However, during the holidays, I also love to take a second and really think about what I am thankful for. I know how incredibly lucky I am to have the opportunities that I do, and much of that comes from my family and friends. I wouldn't be able to do half the things I do without them, so I would like to take a minute and just say thank you. One thank you could never be enough, but I hope I always show my appreciation for you.

My family is the reason I am able to do everything I want to do in my life. I have wonderful parents who continually make sacrifices for my sister and me, never letting us forget how much they love us and support us. While my dad's constant worrying is enough to drive me crazy some days, I am lucky enough to have someone who worries about me and cares about me that much. I may argue when others say I am exactly like my mom but, ultimately, that is the largest compliment someone could ever pay me. My younger sister, who was my biggest foe growing up, is now someone I can consider one of my best friends. It has been a rollercoaster growing up together, and I would never change a second of it. I have exceptional grandparents who always go out of their way to help us with whatever we need. I am eternally grateful for all the help and love my family has provided me over the years.

My friends, both old and new, keep me sane and make me insane at the same time. The lovely friends that I have had since high school, or even earlier, thank you for always being there, even though we may not talk for several weeks at a time. I know that no matter what, if I ever needed you, I can always count on you to be there for me. Thank you to my best friends for always being willing for any crazy adventure we may come up with. I don't say it enough but without you all around, I wouldn't be able to appear as put together as I do most of the time. You are my partners in crime and I love every stupid, crazy thing we do together. To my personal cheerleader in everything that I do, I don't think I can ever put into words how much your support means to me. I couldn't do half the things I do without knowing that, even if I fall flat on my face, I would still have you there to pick me up with a well-placed joke and a speech on why everything is going to work out. I love you all and am so thankful that for whatever reason, I am lucky enough to have you all in my life.

Writing this, I hope I was able to express a small part of my gratitude to all of the important people in my life. Without writing a 10,000-word essay, I don't think I will ever truly be able to write it all down but this is a small way for me to really convey how special everyone is to me during this time of year.