Thanksgiving is finally upon us. As a time of thanks, we can use the word "thanks" itself to describe everything we're thankful for this year. I hope you find the thanks you're looking for this year in this post.
T: Timing
Timing is truly everything. The things that happen to us happen for a reason, and the timing behind them is the most important thing. I know there are things that have happened to me this year that I was unsure of why they happened, but in looking back at the timing of these events I am so glad they happened when they did. Trust the timing of everything that happens to you whether it's good or bad.
H: Health
This is something that I tend to forget about. As a representative for an organization that works to better the lives of children who spend most of their days in a hospital, I have learned how blessed I am to be a healthy and functioning teenager in a world where so many bad things could impact the way I live my life. Those of us that are fortunate to wake up today to pursue the things we are passionate about have it so good, and your health is something you should value this Thanksgiving.
A: Apple (Or Technology In General)
Technology is another thing we should all be thankful for. Technology opens up so many worlds and opportunities to communicate instantly with the people you love, regardless of how close or far away from them you are. I know that if it weren't for FaceTime or texting, I wouldn't even have the chance to go to a school almost 2,000 miles away from my house. Still having the chance to communicate with my family everyday keeps me sane and I am so grateful for technology for providing me with this. There are still families in Puerto Rico who can't talk to their families due to the earthquake and we are lucky enough to live in a world that makes anyone only a text or call away. Plus, it comes in handy when all your friends live in different places.
N: New Friends (And Old Ones Too)
An important part of us getting through our lives is due to our friends. Whether you just met or it's someone you've known your whole life, new and old friends help us define who we are and support us no matter what we do. A good friend is like your favorite blanket: something you cherish and hold on to no matter how worn out it can get at times. The new friends we've made this year combined with the old friends we've always had allow us to discover ourselves as people even more and help bring out the best versions of ourselves.
K: Kin
Alas, probably the thing we're the most thankful for this year. You only have one family, so the way we treat and love them matters the most. Whether you have the chance to see your family everyday or every once in a while, the time we spend with them is truly priceless and reminds us where we came from. Luckily, Thanksgiving and Christmas give us two whole months to really reflect on how our family impacts our lives and makes us the people we are. Thank you to my family and every other family out there who loves their children unconditionally because words can never express how grateful we are for y'all.
S: School
I know, this seems like a weird one. But the fact that we have the chance to continue our education in order to pursue the life and career we want is something we should never take for granted. There are children all over the world who would do anything for the opportunity we are given, and I know sometimes we get too wrapped up in tests/papers/assignments/sleep/social events to realize that. No matter if you're struggling to make it to your first class on Monday or running out of our last class on Friday, we're lucky just to be here. Enjoy your break from school Thanksgiving week, but keep this in mind as we get ready to crush our finals.
As we grow older every day, it's so easy to live our lives as if we don't care about anything or anyone. However, take a step back to appreciate everything that's happened to you because you may never get another day like today again. Happy Thanksgiving everyone and of course, don't forget to stuff your face during Thanksgiving dinner.
