Thanksgiving Break is something that all college students are thankful for; the opportunity to take a break from the constant stress we experience on a daily basis is something that we all have been looking forward to for a long time. This break, however, is not just a break from classes and assignments. It is an opportunity to truly reflect on all of the things that we have in our lives that are worth appreciating. This list barely scratches the surface, but here are only some of things in my life that I am thankful for this Thanksgiving break.

1. Parents that strive to meet all of my needs.
2. A sister who understands me better than anyone.
3. Friends who support me in everything I do.
4. The unique interests that make me who I am.
5. The education I am blessed to receive.
6. The food and water I have that not everyone else in the world does.
7. The clothes on my back.
8. The shoes on my feet.
9. The home that has witnessed all of the different stages of my life.
10. The room that I consider to be my special place.
11. The phone that connects me to the people in my life, even the ones who are miles and miles away.
12. The ability to read and write. Literacy is truly a gift to be cherished.
13. The books that taught me lessons about the beauty of life.
14. The shows that changed my outlook on the importance of love and loyalty.
15. The songs that comforted me during the toughest times of my life.
16. The songs that intensified the impact of the happiest times of my life.
17. Google, for helping me with 99% of my projects and assignments!
18. Odyssey, for giving me a place to express my inner-most thoughts and feelings.
19. The bed that always takes me back even though I leave it every morning at 5am.
20. My emotions, because emotions are what make us all human.
21. My mistakes, because they have taught me the most important lessons.
22. My job, which allows me to provide for myself and not rely on others.
23. My goals, because they push me to fight for the life that I want and deserve.
24. Good health, which not everyone is fortunate enough to have.
25. Disappointment, to remind me of the things that matter enough to try again for.
26. Safety and security.
27. The amount of time that I have experienced on this Earth.
28. The amount of time that I have yet to experience.
29. The freedom to vote.
30. The ability to sing.
31. Ian Somerhalder and Jensen Ackles. I had to include this one on this list.
32. A purpose in life.
33. The drive to accomplish things that no one could have dreamed of.
34. The betrayals that left me strong enough to fend for myself.
35. The diversity of the world that many often forget to appreciate.
36. The fact that I’m able to understand my own self worth without validation from others.
37. Being able to see beauty where not everyone else does, including in myself.
38. Fairy lights.
39. Fast food.
40. Roller coasters.
41. Disney Channel Original Movies. High School Musical is still life, even after all these years.
42. Makeup.
43. Air conditioning over the summer. Heat during the winter.
44. Feminism.
45. Train rides.
46. The noise of New York City.
47. The silence of the beach at sunset.
48. Netflix.
49. My bilinguality and opportunity to experience two cultures in one lifetime.
50. A future full of happiness, love, opportunities, and success that will be built by me, for me.