I am thankful for my health. Health and I have had a weird relationship over the years due to having asthma and a generally low immune system. I’ve had to deal with bouts of illness like chronic bronchitis and pneumonia beginning at age 5. Over the years I have been able to gradually grow stronger, and in my early adulthood I’m happy to say I’m pretty darn healthy.

I am thankful for my loved ones, both those gone and those still with me today. Throughout my life’s course thus far, I’ve had an incredible support system that has been built around me. No matter what, I have always had people who I can go to when I need something, whether I need to talk or I want to grab food, or even if I just want to spend an afternoon binge watching a series. I know there are people who can’t say the same, so I definitely don’t take this lightly.

I am thankful for my chance to receive an education. Knowledge is really power, and I have been fortunate enough to become academically stronger and stronger over the years. In a time where many children still aren’t afforded access to a good education, both in the US and abroad, I have to realize just how lucky I am.

I’m thankful for the life I have lived, and for the life I have ahead of me.

And I’m thankful for sweet potato pie too.