I definitely have a lot to be thankful for. For one, My health is good enough for me to write this article. On top of that, I have a steady source of income, food, and shelter. I often find myself taking these seemingly basic things for granted and dwelling on the things that aren't going my way. So instead, I want to offer a moment of gratitude by thinking about some of the many things that I appreciate in this world. Though I have thousands of things to be thankful for, I'm going to focus on 30 (for alliteration, of course). I'm thankful for...

1. My mom-- She's the glue that holds my family together and I have no idea where I would be without her love, support, or cooking.
2. People who didn't vote for Donald Trump-- I'm extremely thankful to know that there are people out there who DON'T believe that muslims should leave this country or that men should be allowed to grab women however they please. I'm extremely thankful to know that there are more people who believe that hate shouldn't be tolerated.
3. My friends-- I have such amazing, genuine friends and I feel like I truly was meant to meet them. I'm so blessed in this regard.
4. The Black Lives Matter Movement-- In the midst of so much pain, this movement has allowed us to see our strength and beauty. Even when others don't or won't.
5. VCU-- Even though it's drained my pockets, forced me into debt, and caused me immense amounts of stress for about two and half years(so far), I love this school! I honestly couldn't imagine going anywhere else.
6. Everyone working in the medical field-- I hate blood, throw up, math, and working holidays.In a lot of ways, I am a complete wimp and couldn't do what you do every day. Thank you so very much.
7. Netflix-- It knows that I'm still watching, yet it asks me anyways. It cares so much.
8. Music streaming services (i.e. Tidal, Apple Music)-- They make the whole music discovery process a lot easier and clearly organize all of my favorite songs.
9. Hats-- Half-finished hair days would be impossible with them.
10. My black Timberland boots-- They make me a little bit taller and I can (and do) wear them with pretty much anything. What more could I ask for in a shoe.
11. The Holiday season-- It's the time of year where everyone is seemingly nicer and more appreciative. It's lit.
12. Coconut oil-- It helps to keep my skin and hair nourished and I am forever indebted to it.
13. Burt’s Bees chapstick. Ashy season is in full swing. This stuff is completely natural and will leave your lips moisturized through the cold, dry months ahead. Stay hydrated, my friends.
14. (Mainly unhealthy) food-- So many different cuisines and recipes, so little room in my stomach (depending on the day).
15. Fall weather-- Without fall weather I wouldn't be able to wear my favorite clothes or casually consume pumpkin flavored things.
16. Professors who cancel class. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH AND THEY'VE SAVED APPROXIMATELY 75 MINUTES OF MY LIFE WITH EACH CANCELLATION
17. Professors who never lecture for the full class time-- They're the best. That is all.
18. Reality television-- It's so bad that its great.
19. Whitney Houston’s "One Wish: The Holiday Album" album This album simultaneously gets me in the Christmas spirit and reminds me what a vocal is. RIP THE voice.
20. The floor seats I had at the Formation World Tour. I wish I could experience this once a month, but once ever will do.
21. Chaka Demus & Pliers' "Murder She Wrote"-- This is one of my favorite songs of all time and it always puts me in a good mood.
22. Award shows. Ever since I was a kid, I've loved watching award shows and all that they entail. The fashion, the performances, the celebrities who do crazy stunts for attention and relevancy, and the even the painfullycorny sketches. I love it all.
23. Iced coffee-- It's cold outside, but I'm still drinking iced coffee because I'm a baby and I don't have time to wait for my hot coffee to cool down. I know.
    
24. My Beats headphones. I'm not quite sure how I was listening to music before, BUT I WAS DOING IT WRONG.
25. Being a relatively level-headed person-- My calm demeanor definitely allows me to think before responding to situations which is extremely helpful in this crazy world.
26. Twitter-- It's my favorite social media platform because I can always find the latest news, gossip, and memes in a matter of seconds.
27. Fried plantain-- Though many people are disrespectful and overcook them, they're AMAZING when cooked to perfection.
28. Direct deposit-- It's always right on time.
29. Purified water-- There's nothing more refreshing than some good old (purified) water. It just makes me feel clean ya know?
30. This GIF-- It makes me laugh every time I see it because... Same, Viola.