It is that time of the year again when stores put out their Christmas merchandise before December has even arrived. Christmas music fills the radio waves as soon as the weather turns chilly. Thanksgiving gets pushed into the corner. This holiday, while sandwiched in-between Halloween and Christmas, is no less important. The roots of this holiday are just as prevalent. Without the help of the Native Americans, the settlers in colonial America would not have survived. They took time out of the harvest season to celebrate and give thanks for their new friendships. It is easy to get swept up with the food preparations, the parades and the social gatherings and bypass the true meaning of this holiday.

1. The new friends I have made at college.

Back in high school I not the popular person. I had very few friends and I preferred it that way. I learned to be strong on my own and to accept myself as I was. Yet, it was comforting when I came to college and realized my anxiety was not needed. Here I found several new friends whom I have been able to be myself around and laugh alongside with. From the late night talks, to venting sessions to dance parties to baking brownies at midnight, I am grateful our paths have crossed.

2. The ability to express myself through dance.

Being able to continue choreographing and dancing was a big factor in deciding where I went to college. After being at my college for three months, I can safely say that I am satisfied with my choice. Being a part of RDT has allowed me to continuing my passion for dancing as an art form as well as giving me the opportunity to grow as a dancer.

3. My family who has continued to support and uplift me.

It may sound cliché but I am truly grateful for all my family has done for me. Our family is a loving one.We may have had our disagreements, but at the end of every day we were always there for each other.My family taught me certain absolutes: that we were to play fairly, that we were no better than another, we can do anything if we believed in ourselves, and that family means no one gets left behind.

4. My teachers who have helped shape me into the person I am today.

From the teacher who stayed with me after school, to the mentors who fostered my growth as a writer, to the teachers who pushed me in the face of failure, I am standing here today because of them. I am self-reliant because of the lessons they have taught me. They showed me how to be confident in myself and enjoy life without worrying about the what-if’s. The struggles of their assignments has developed me into a stronger, more resilient person.