I have seen a lot of people on social media take part in the “30 Days of Thankfulness” Challenge. Anyone who chooses to participate posts one thing that they are thankful for for the duration of the month of November. It’s uplifting to see that as so much turmoil rises as the election arrives, and with other various problems scattered across our nation, people can still find little pieces of joy throughout their day. I have not participated yet, but to catch up, here are 7 things I am thankful for

1. Music

Music has played an integral role in my life for as long as I can remember. Choir has been my favorite class since I joined in sixth grade, and playing piano is an emotional outlet that allows me to express myself. More importantly, I’m grateful for the way music has allowed me to develop and strengthen relationships. The people I have sung with in my years of choir are my family. Although we will all probably never be in the same place again, we have a special relationship due to the intimate moments of music making. But most importantly, music has given me the chance to grow closer to my family. My older sister and I were often asked to sing during church, or I would accompany her. While I wasn’t usually pleased with having to be in the background or sing next to her, I am infinitely grateful for these precious moments I have gotten to share with her.

2. Kappa Delta

Almost every sorority girl will agree that their sisterhood is the biggest blessing in their life. It was brought me my best friends, the best memories, and will continue to give me a lifetime of adventures with my sisters. I’m thankful for my big and everything she’s done for my, from studying to making sure I wasn’t feeling sick anymore right before initiation. I’m thankful for my pledge class, specifically for the girls who have become my best friends. I’m thankful that Kappa Delta has taught me beauty and confidence in myself, and others around me.

3. My Family

You really don’t know how much you have until it’s gone. My family isn’t actually gone, but the fact that they're hundreds of miles away certainly makes it hard to have them around. I miss my siblings (as impossible as that might seem) and all the crazy, annoying things they do. I definitely miss my parents taking care of all adult responsibilities for me, and for doing the grocery shopping.

4. My Friends

This goes for both those here in college, and those far away at home. I love getting cute letters from friends back home and I am thankful that someone is thinking about me even when I’m nowhere near them. I love when I FaceTime my friends just to catch up on the events of the week and end up talking to them until 2 am just because. I’m thankful for the friends I have made in college, who met me and chose to keep talking to me, and then once they got to know me, somehow still loved me.

5. My Meal Plan

There are two reasons why my meal plan is something I’m thankful for. First, because I can’t cook too many things and grocery shopping is expensive, secondly, because I’m a lazy college student. It’s so nice to walk somewhere on campus and just swipe my ID and have a buffet of food already waiting. It’s not quite as good as actually making something myself, and definitely not as good as a home-cooked meal, but it sure beats having to wait for something to cook.

6. College

Overall, college has been such an amazing experience. I have learned so much both in terms of classes, as well as just from life experiences. I’m grateful for the friends I have made since coming to college. I’m grateful for all the different activities I’ve participated in, and for how much I’ve been able to grow while on my own.

7. Church

Thank goodness for church. It is so SO easy to feel incredibly lonely on a campus where you know no one and those you love are terribly far away. But luckily, I had church to remind me that I am not alone. No matter how many friends I fail to make or how often I feel sad, I am only one prayer away from being reminded that I am never alone. When everything in my life changed by moving across the country, the church stayed the same, and it was the one familiar aspect of my life. I am thankful to know that I never have been, am not, and never will be alone.