November is always the month of thinking about what you are thankful for and coming to a slow realization about how many blessings you do have. While our country is in turmoil right now, I think it is important to humble ourselves and think about the positives in our lives.

1. My Mom

Even though I don't get to talk to her much anymore, I know she is only a phone call away. Nights where I am drowning in homework, I know that I can take a break and have a conversation only of emojis. She tells me about what she is watching on the TV, curing my homesickness. Although she might not know what to say to every situation of mine, OR helps my indecisiveness, she always says something. She is always there for me. I wouldn't have a majority of my life's luxuries if it wasn't for her.

2. My Education

I am blessed to be attending one of the highest ranked schools in the country for my major. It's ranked 5th, actually! Lawrence Tech has provided the best education I can get with both theory and practice. I have learned so much theoretical math, and I get to apply some of that math in extracurriculars and at work. I only have a year left for my undergrad, and I feel that there are still so many opportunities for me to experience within the next year! Not everyone gets to attend their first pick college and have such a high-quality education.

3. My Car

My vehicle enables me to tutor at the Boys and Girls Club, get groceries when I need them and lets me go home on the weekends. I can drive to Taco Bell late at night, or get to a restaurant. A new movie is out tonight? I don't have to find someone to drive me. There is a freedom of having my own car. I feel like I would be restricted to my room or places within walking distance, which is not many places near campus. I am a homebody, but without the vehicle, I probably would never leave campus. I would not have food in my cabinets or juice to drink when I cannot get to the store without my parents or someone else who has a car.

4. My Two Jobs and Managers

Yes, I have two jobs. Yes, I am a full-time student. Yes, I am a leader of multiple groups on campus. Although I get officially paid for only two jobs, I feel like I have three jobs. All of this takes up a majority of my time every day. I'm lucky if I get to eat more than two meals a day. However, I am grateful for my two paid jobs. I work very hard for every dollar I get, and because I work close to 30 hours a week, I get to spoil myself sometimes. I can afford groceries every week, I can put gas in my car, I have all the supplies I need for my classes, and I get to spend money on myself too.

As for my managers, all four of my managers keep me from going insane during the week. They all let me rant, talk to me, and are completely understanding. Never have I been yelled at for making a mistake.

5. My Penguin Pillow Pet

This is my first pillow pet and the one that travels with me to most new places! He definitely fits best in a suitcase or even my backpack. Maybe I should be bringing him to class with me? I have about 5 pillows on my bed currently, and I would also say that I really only sleep with one, the penguin.

6. My Current Roommate

My current roommate and I may not talk often, but she doesn't stress me out; there has been zero drama between us. We are both super introverted and quiet. It works out however because we don't really have to discuss who will be cleaning or taking care of the room, we just do it. I love the way we keep our room, if the sink is full one of us loads the dishwasher, if the trash is full, it gets taken out. One of us is not doing all the work, and we are cleaning how I would think a normal roommate situation should. If something needs to be done, it just gets done. We aren't loud at night or in the morning, and I really enjoy having a laid back roommate situation this year.

7. My Busy Schedule

If I ever have a down moment in the day, I have to find something to do. This is not because I can't sit still, but rather sadness and stress overwhelm me. If I stay busy, I won't have time to over think and ruin my entire day. Plus, this same schedule keeps me out of trouble, while usually putting me to sleep by 8 or 9 pm.

8. My Home

I am lucky to be able to go home whenever I want. That house is also in a nice neighborhood, there is no damage, and I have my own room. The house is clean, and there is always food in the fridge. Along with the home, my parents are usually there as well.

9. My Health

I have been lucky during these past few years at college. I have never missed a day due to illness. During high school, I would have at least one week during the winter were the flu probably could have killed me. I wouldn't want to move, and I was lucky that I could find a way to breathe during that time. During college, I have not been sick for more than a day. Within that day, I would still manage to get to all my classes and responsibilities. I was always told that being around so many new people would cause me to get sick more often, but the opposite happened. (Plus my busy schedule probably helps with that.)

I think we should ponder what we are thankful for more the just during the month of November. However, we do get busy, and dedicating ourselves to listing out what we are thankful for during this month is a good start to humble ourselves every month of the year.

Happy Thanksgiving.