As the holiday season is speeding up on us and the stress of finishing up the semester has become a constant fear, it is time to relax and spend time with family while reflecting on this past year. As days go by we rarely take the time to reflect on who we are thankful for and all of the amazing experiences we have had within those days.

Being a college student, it constantly feels as though you are a part of two different families; Your parents and friends within your hometown, a place that you will always hold dearly in your heart, and your friends at college, who have considerably become part of your family away from home. Here's to all of the people who have been a part of your life, and those who have just entered it, make sure they know how thankful you are for the impact that they have made in your life.

To my parents,

Thank you for the immense amount of support and daily pep-talks — some days I need more than one, sorry! Thank you for always believing me and pushing me to do my best. Thank you for allowing me to follow my dreams and letting me push myself to my fullest potential. I am so incredibly grateful for the hours, time, and money you have put into allowing me to go to college, which is a privilege not a right. You did not have to assist me in reaching my fullest potential, but you have and it has been the greatest gift you could have ever given me.

To my brother,

I miss you and I'm sorry I haven't seen you since August. I'm sorry I never got to attend any of your soccer games or help you build your eagle scout project. I am so grateful that through the distance you are still one of my best friends. Thank you for always being my partner in crime. You will always be my little brother. . . even though you are now much larger and taller than me.

To my best friends in my hometown,

Thank you for keeping in touch and reminding me I am loved and missed back home. I am so beyond excited to see you again and make a million more memories.

To my new college family,

Thank you for making me feel at home, accepting me with open arms, and loving me at my best or worst. We've made it this far living together and spending almost every day together, I wouldn't trade those memories for the world. Date nights, movie nights, wing nights, cuddle sessions, and homework dates. You have seen me under the most stressed and talked me through the mental breakdowns, you have put up with my weird habits. I am so thankful to have you crazy people in my life.

To my boyfriend and his family,

I cannot thank you enough, you have opened your arms and welcomed me right into your family. You all have made me smile and feel at home when I haven't been home in months. I am so thankful for all of the time you have spent including me into your family, and I am so blessed to have you all.

Everyone, please take the time to thank those around you for all they have done for you. Explain to them how grateful you are to have these people in your life. Hold them close and make sure they know how much they mean to you.