Picture it now: You're sitting around that dinner table filled with loved ones (and some of those people that you apparently met when you were young but have no recollection of what-so-ever), surrounded by delicious(?) foods, and plenty of conversation & laughter. Then the ambiguous question of "What are you thankful for?" comes up, and the answer goes around the table one at a time. It seems like a pretty straightforward question, you can say whatever you want. What are you thankful for? Dogs. What are you thankful for? My friends and family. What are you thankful for? A home. What are you thankful for? Food. All very accurate, but how can one answer such a question so simply.

There are tens of thousands of things to be thankful for - opportunity, family, friends, an education, summer days, cozy winter nights, dogs, having food on your plate, ability to take warm showers, the way the leaves change in the Fall, nature, freedom, independence, good health, support, clothing...the list goes on and on.

The few that stick out significantly in my mind - opportunity, an education, and failure. These may not seem like the typical answers, but I believe the encompass every aspect that I value in my life.

I'm thankful for the opportunities that have presented themselves to me in recent years. I have been given the opportunity to study at a University in a major I love. In the past 2 years I have been given the opportunity to be employed at two jobs that I enjoyed and furthered my experience in both customer service and working with children, two important qualities I will need moving forward in my career. I have had the opportunity to intern at a Preschool as well as for Odyssey, which has helped me find myself and my passions. I recently was offered a paid summer internship position at a Christian Summer camp, and I know that this summer will be a wonderful opportunity to grow in my Faith and continue find myself. These opportunities have not always been easy, but the challenges have shaped me into the person I am and the person I will be able to come.

I'm thankful for being able to further my education at Northern Arizona University. I am in my first semester, yet I am positive I found a place to call home. I have always valued learning and being able to grow in as many ways as possible, I know that this school is where I will learn as much as possible, with positive support from professors, and the ability dive into my studies. I am majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a double minor in Social Work and Law, Rights, and Justice. I hope to work in Victim Advocacy, where I will be able to help victims and the families of victims on their road to recovery. My family has provided me with the opportunity to receive higher education and has found the ability to fund my education.

I'm thankful for my failures. This is the "oddball" in my list, but it makes perfect sense. My failures are what led me to where I am now, they closed the doors to relationships or possible endeavors that were not meant for me. However, I am most grateful for my failures because they showed me the commitment my loving family has to my success, overall happiness, and my abilities to move away from adversity or trials presented to me. During the times I seemingly failed, I had my family to love and support to guide me through it all, encouraging me to move forward, never give up, and find the path I am meant for. Secondly, these failures have shown me the love and support my friends have for me. In the times of my friends and family not succeeding in particular things, I have viewed true resilience and passion that has inspired me in my own life. I know that there are failures that lie ahead of me, especially in the upcoming years. But, the support that I have been shown in these tiny speed-bumps, gives me the drive and ability to move towards new opportunities, with knowledge that if I fall short, I have my support systems to back me up and help me find my way.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and please take this time to realize how much there truly is to be thankful for. Let those that surround you know how thankful you are.