It’s crazy to think that this Thursday will be another Thanksgiving. So much has happened in the year since last Thanksgiving. As I took some time to reflect on the past year I realized just how much I am thankful for this year. I am sure many of you will be doing the same thing over the next week or so and can probably relate to the many of the things I am thankful for. So in spirit of the holidays this is what I am most thankful for this year.

Family

Any of these following things would not be possible without my family. They are what keep me sane and grounded. They are the people that answer my calls and listen to me vent about the most ridiculous things. I am lucky enough to have them supporting me through my schooling and I hope they know how much I appreciate that gesture. I’ve learned so many valuable lessons from my family and would not trade any fight, argument, or disagreement for the world.

Friends

As my second family, my friends keep me well balanced when my family is not able to. They are also the people that I laugh the hardest with, yell the most with and have the most fun with. This past year has been finding true friends that will be there for you no matter what. I think I am finally in a place when I can say that I am truly surrounding myself with healthy friendships that I don’t see losing any time soon.

Mentors

The adults in my life that have been so influential that aren’t my family I consider my mentors. There are a few that I can think of off the top of my head but I am sure there is more than that. The ones I’m thinking of have helped me grow in more than ways I could ever imagine. They are there to give me the most sincere but also the most blunt answers/truth I’ll probably ever hear. They have put me on the path I am towards my future career and life.

My Job/Co-Workers

My current job comes with its frustrations and difficulties, but I am learning so much from everyone I work with. I don’t think the most important things I will learn to be a teacher will come from a college course but from children themselves. To the people I work with, thank you for dealing with me on my worst days and answering my questions, even the ones with seemingly obvious answers. I am so thankful for my job and would not trade it for the world.

School

I’ve said this in a previous article but I’m going to say it again. This is the first semester that I have been truly happy with being in college and my classes. I feel like I actually belong and I am excited for the future. I am so thankful for my school and they people here. I know this is where I am supposed to be.