This week, I was faced with the challenge of writing a 20-page paper; a challenge I complained about the entire time I was writing- or rather when I wasn't but needed to be. As I was procrastinating, I went through my camera roll. Of course, I came across a picture of a classroom I taught this past summer in Africa. A classroom of kids filled with joy, enthusiasm and love to just learn.

I came to recognize how selfish I was being by complaining so much about all the work I had to do, when in reality, that work- my education- is something I get to have... Something I get to do. I so easily get caught up in the routine of my classes, and forget to stop and think about how blessed I am to even be getting a higher level education.

I am thankful for the 20-page paper I had to write for class because I am receiving an education. I am thankful for my education because there are nearly 70 million children who don't receive any type of education. I am thankful that, as a woman, I even get this chance, because nearly 65 million girls around the world are not in school. I am thankful for the empowerment education gives. I am thankful that, one day, I will be able to help those children because of my education.

Starting today, I have a new perspective on the 8 a.m. class. I get to wake up for to learn. I have a new perspective on 20-page papers I get to write because not everyone gets this opportunity.