Alright kids, it’s time for one of those corny, feel-good articles. It’s Thanksgiving, and it truly is a time to give thanks for all we have been blessed with. Trust me, I understand that this year has come with a roller coaster full of ups and downs, but I know that reflecting on all of the good helps me to realize how beautiful life can be. So, let’s all take a second to pretend that we are kids, sitting around our family’s Thanksgiving table again. Here comes the age-old question: What are you thankful for?

1. I am thankful for my family.

They always say you can’t choose your family. Well, even if I could have hand-picked my each person, I would not have chosen anyone different. They are my rock, my support system, and my closest allies. We have come together even more this past year (and that’s saying something- we have always been the closest family I know!) I would not have made it through this time in my life, or through life in general, if I did not have my whole family by my side.

2. I am thankful for my friends.

First, to my “old” friends: You guys are the reason I stick it out through college. Whenever the day has been far too long, I can count on you guys to break the monotony. When I am lonely, all I have to do is text, “Where are all my friends?” And just like the Avengers, we assemble! You are my lunch buddies, my relationship (or lack thereof) counselors, and overall the best friends a person could ask for. Thanks for being you.

Second on the list (but no less valuable in my heart), my new friends: How did I make it this far in my college career without you? What would I do if I did not have an apartment full of best friends right next door to me? You’ve made me an honorary roommate (since I do spend more time in your apartment than mine...) Thanks for putting up with me into the early morning hours, even when we all have papers to write and “band stuff” to attend to.

Last, but certainly not least, my teammates and band friends: You guys are the reason I have not gone crazy- yet! Let’s face it: things can get rough. Between three-hour practices, eight-hour games, and bus trips across state lines, we spend a lot of time doing “band stuff” and “dance stuff.” Why do we keep doing it? The long days and nights we spend with one another have made us actually enjoy each other’s company, so now we’re (happily) stuck!

3. I am thankful for school.

Yeah, I am sure this doesn’t seem true all the time. However, I often think about all of the people who don’t have the opportunity to go to college and pursue the career of their dreams. They don’t get to live with their friends, and they don’t get to participate in the “college lifestyle.” When I think about this, I realize how completely awesome it is that I get to go to school. I have had so many opportunities of a lifetime because of RMU, and I really am thankful.

4. I am thankful for dance.

Being on the dance team can be super stressful, I won’t lie. However, I am forever grateful that dance has always been a part of my life. I love being able to turn on music anytime and practice my turns, my tricks, etc. Not to mention, it’s pretty cool to be able to take center field (or court) in front of half of Robert Morris and dance with a college dance team!

5. I am thankful for my (zoo of) animals

Ok, this one’s a given. My pets are the bright little lights of my life. I mean, not everyone gets to have a horse!

So, this list was not extensive. Obviously, these things are not the only pieces of my life are thankful for. However, I would call these the “big five!”