With the holiday season upon us, it is extremely easy to get caught up in trying to get the perfect present for your family and other loved ones or worry about the food that is going to be for Thanksgiving dinner. Even though I spend much of my time worrying and planning for the future, I should just take some time to reflect on all of the amazing things I have in my life and how thankful I am for each and every one of them.

First, I have an amazing job. Just like with any other job, there are days where it is trying and just flat out annoying. However, I work with some incredible people and I really feel connected to them. I started working there when I was just 16 and I have done a lot of growing up since I started. It's really amazing to find a company that is willing to not only hold your job for you while you are away at college but give you money for tuition so it is a little bit easier financially. I could not ask for a better first job and I am so thankful for all of the incredible opportunities that it has given me and will continue to give to me.

Secondly, my friends. I have some amazing ones. I still keep in contact with my friends that I had in high school and we really do act like a family. We are an incredibly dysfunctional family but I love them all the same. They have truly seen me at my worst and at my best moments and because of that know me even better than I already do. It's amazing to find friends that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Speaking of, I am extremely grateful to have met my best friend Diana. Her and I have grown so close over the year that I have known her and she has literally changed my life.

Third, my family. My family has been there to support me and watch me grow as I am turning into an adult. There was a huge change in my personality from when I first left for college freshman year vs. when I came back for Christmas break even. Going away to college has helped me change in a variety of ways, and I have managed to become closer to my family than I ever have. My brother and I used to always fight when we were children, and now he and I talk all the time and I couldn't imagine my life without him in it.

Fourth, I am grateful to be in college. There have been numerous times where I have found myself very stressed out and considering for two seconds if it is really worth it to stay in school. However, I am incredibly fortunate to have the ability to be in college and when I don't procrastinate on my work, I am a really good student. When I was in high school, I did not put much effort into the work that I did and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to start over and create a new image for myself - the one that I am working towards.

There are many other things that I am grateful for and if I listed every single one of them I would be here forever. I think in general we spend too much time thinking about what's next and worrying about the future when we need to be enjoying right now. We truly are only young once, so we should be thankful for the opportunities that you have in front of you. If you are in college –there are many many people who are not able to attend college because their parents can't afford it and they can't take out the loans that are required to pay for college. So the next time you don't want to do your homework assignment or attend class, think about how truly blessed you are.