Thanksgiving is the time of year everyone sits at the dinner table and says what they are thankful for. This is my first year of being away from home. It hasn't been easy being away from home, but I am thankful to be here for the holidays. I didn't realize how special family parties are because they become so far and few. These are some of the things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday.

1. My wonderful family

I couldn't have made this hard transition to college without you. Thank you for being my rocks and helping me through the rough patches. Thank you for listening to me call and complain about my day or how my professor graded my test unfairly. Thank you for loving and caring for me unconditionally. I always look forward to our phone and skype calls. I love you all and I can't wait to see you soon!

2. My four-legged best friend, Vinny

I had the pleasure of seeing him here a couple weeks ago. Thank you to my parents for that. I had missed him so much. Thank you, Vinny, for your slobbery kisses and your greetings at the door. I love seeing you when I come back home and we get to cuddle up on the couch.

3. Friends back at home and my friends here at college

Thank you for everything you do from being my therapist to my personal stylist. You deserve an award for having to hear me complain about everything. I am blessed to have all of you in my life and I wouldn't be who I am today without you all. I love you all and let's make plans soon.

4. All of my past and present teachers

Thank you for helping me learn inside and outside of the classroom. I couldn't have been an "A" and "B" student without you. Thank you for taking the time to help me if I didn't understand the material. Thank you for caring and being passionate about your job. I appreciate all of the hard work you do.

5. Odyssey

Being a Content Creator has changed my life. I have found a voice that I never knew that I had. Thank you for letting me share my personal feelings and thoughts to the world. Thank you for the opportunities you have provided. Also, thank you for the wonderful community that I belong to.

This Thanksgiving, don't forget to tell the people in your life what they mean to you. Make some meaningful memories this Thanksgiving. Put your phone away and look up at the wonderful world we live in. Tell your family and friends you love them. Even when you are annoyed with your family, trust me when I say that you will miss them during those times when you are away. Hug them tight and soak up your days you have with them. Happy thanksgiving, everyone!