In light of the now past election, I think it’s important to take a step back from all things politics and reflect on the positive things we have going in our lives, things we are grateful for this Thanksgiving. Here are 50 things that I am thankful for this Thanksgiving:

1. I’m thankful for my family and their unwavering commitment to help me.
2. I’m thankful for my friends who are always there for me while I rant on about anything or laugh so hard I cry when I hear a pun.
3. I’m thankful for the opportunity to go to college.
4. I’m thankful for the home that I often take for granted. I’m reminded of just how fortunate I am to have a place to go to after a long day, a place to call home.
5. I’m thankful for the kind human beings we meet everyday, the ones who throw a smile your way instead of being on their phones.
6. I’m thankful for the fact that in just a few days, my whole family will be in one room, sharing a meal that are able to have.
7. I’m thankful for the growth that I have made this school year alone, the progress that I have made.
8. I’m thankful for my dog who means everything to me.
9. I’m thankful that I can speak Polish so I can communicate with my grandfather, and understand all of the stories he tells about Poland when he lived there as well as the subtle jokes he throws in between the stories.
10. I’m thankful for the setbacks I have had this semester and how I've handled them.
11. I’m thankful for the friends who are no longer my friends because I have only learned from them and raised my standards.
12. I’m thankful for my perseverance.
13. I’m thankful for Starbucks red cups because not only do they illustrate amazing designs, but they also provide a sense of unity throughout the world in a time where we desperately need it.
14. I’m thankful for corny jokes.
15. I’m thankful for the opportunity to write for Odyssey.
16. I’m thankful for Target and the Christmas section.
17. I’m thankful for good books and hot tea on a cold fall day.
18. I’m thankful for my brother being able to travel to all of the places he has in 2016, even though he won’t be home for Thanksgiving.
19. I’m thankful for the professors who aren’t cotton headed ninnymuggins that make you go to class the day before Thanksgiving.
20. I’m thankful for being able to take classes outside of my major and watch my creative side unfold.
21. I’m thankful for Peppermint Mocha Iced Coffee. I guess you really know you're a New Englander when you order an iced coffee in mid-November when it’s 30 degrees out.
22. I’m thankful for the times you know you’ve made a positive impact on someone’s day through your words or your actions.
23. I’m thankful for music that speaks to the mood you are in at the time.
24. I’m thankful for the life that I live and the people in it.
25. I’m thankful for photography and being able to capture the moments that mean so much.
26. I’m thankful for the people in my life who I can go to when I feel stuck and know that I will get good advice.
27. I’m thankful for good hair days because having thick, curly hair has pros and cons.
28. I’m thankful for the movie "Elf."
29. I’m thankful for when people open the door for you.
30. I’m thankful for the people who make me laugh so hard every time that I talk to them, you are amazing.
31. I’m thankful for developing photos and making what is now seen as an “old-fashioned” album.
32. I’m thankful for animal rights activists.
33. I’m thankful for science and all of the people who have sacrificed so much to help better the lives of others.
34. I’m thankful for the smell of Barnes and Noble when you walk in the door.
35. I’m thankful for a nicely organized schedule. I know, I’m a nerd.
36. I’m thankful for syllabi. Because having the entire semester mapped out on a few sheets of paper, although intimidating at first, is relieving mid-semester when you feel overwhelmed with all your classes.
37. I’m thankful for how happy my dog is when I come home.
38. I’m thankful for country concerts.
39. I’m thankful for handwritten letters.
40. I’m thankful for growing up playing catch outside and not given a phone until I was a teenager.
41. I’m thankful for the phases I have grown out of like gaucho pants and the Snooki poof hair
42. I’m thankful for the people who have believed in me from the very beginning.
43. I’m thankful for spontaneous road trips.
44. I’m thankful for surprises.
45. I’m thankful for acing an assignment you worked really hard on.
46. I’m thankful for acing an assignment you half-assed and expected a solid C on.
47. I’m thankful for planned candid photos.
48. I’m thankful for long hugs.
49. I’m thankful for things placed a certain way that is aesthetically pleasing.
50. I’m thankful for positive people.

Whether you realize it or not, there are so many things that you are thankful for in your life. I encourage you to reflect on the good you have in your life. It could be people, intangible objects, or more tangible things that positively contribute to your life. Regardless of what those things are, I think it is important to acknowledge those things all of the time, but especially as the holiday season draws near. More often than not, it’s the little things in your life that contribute the most. Take a few moments to think about the unique people and things that better your life and enjoy the time you spend with family and friends this holiday season!