As a sophomore in a college thousands of miles from everything I know and love, this isn't my first Thanksgiving away from home, but it sort of feels like it. Last year, I spent Thanksgiving with my family who, fortunately for me, lived nearby. I've known them for as long as I've known myself, so I felt very at home in their presence. This year, though, I decided to venture a little outside my comfort zone and stay with my roommate and her family for break.

It wasn't my first time staying at her house, but I couldn't be sure what to expect while spending my first Thanksgiving away from family. But despite my anxiety at the idea of celebrating the holiday in a way I wasn't really familiar with, I was pretty excited. A few days into my stay, on Thanksgiving day, it was only at the table when I was waiting for the food to be served that I realized all that worry and anxiety I had felt before had gone away. Yes, it was definitely different than my experiences years prior, but the way her family welcomed me made me feel like I was a part of theirs.

So to the family that took me in this Thanksgiving, thank you so much for making me feel welcomed. Thank you for alleviating a lot of the stress I felt in weeks leading up to my trip. Thank you for making me feel like a part of the family. Thank you for making my first Thanksgiving away from my family an exceptional one. The love and generosity you have shown me are what I am most thankful for this holiday season. So once again, thank you.