Thanksgiving isn't my favorite holiday but I love it because it's the time of the year where I think of all the things, people, and places I am thankful for. November is the one month where I really analyze my life, and how far I've come with myself, and others. This year, I happen to be traveling to Ohio to see my dad's family who I haven't seen since my grandfather's death. Traveling to Ohio is the first thing I am thankful for this Thanksgiving.
The next thing I am thankful for is living in New York City because I get to follow my dream. To be living in New York City where I get to be in the heart of Broadway and the performing arts brings me so much joy. I wouldn't be able to do this without my amazing and supportive parents. My parents support my decision to live in the city and pursue my dream; this is another thing I am thankful for. I wouldn't be able to move here without their support and love. I have some great parents, and I could not be any more grateful for all that they have done for me the last 18 years. Luckily, the support doesn't just come from my parents, but my family, even the ones who don't approve.
The next person I am thankful for is my best friend, Alexis. She supports me in every way possible, and when I had to leave Florida to move, she was there to tell me that, "It will all be OK. You can do this. I believe in you, and I love you." I couldn't have asked for a greater best friend. And to this day, she is still in my life. So thank you, Alexis, for sticking by my side.
Due to having to leave Florida, I left some other people behind who deserve to be included in this. Without them, I would not be the person I am today. I am thankful for my dance teachers, Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Martine, Mrs. Ann, Ms. Carty, Mr. Kenney, Mrs. Cratty, Juan, Kristina, Michelle, and my studio owner, Mrs. Cheryl. Without these people in my life for the last two years, I would not have grown or been able to find myself. I also would not have had the confidence to move to New York City.
To finish up what I am thankful for, I am the most grateful for the gift I was given. To be able to sing, dance, act, and write every day has provided me with a will to live. It's given me more life than anything in this world. It's what wakes me up in the morning, and what I think about in my sleep. I am eternally grateful that I was able to follow my dream and share my gift with the world.
This Thanksgiving, think about what you're thankful for. If you haven't told your parents you are thankful for them, call them and tell them. If you haven't thought about the things you have taken advantage of this year, think about it, and be grateful for the things or people you've taken advantage of. Lastly, remember that Thanksgiving isn't just about the food, but about the time spent with your family, and reminising on what you are thankful for.
