This is the time of year when we have the opportunity to reflect on the things that are important to us and show our appreciation to those we care about. The last four months have been a whirlwind of adventure for me. I've been to sporting events, dances, concert and even a car show. I have see and done a lot, but what I haven't done yet is show my appreciation for the things I have been able to do and the people in my life. In the spirit of the season, this article is dedicated to all the things I am thankful for this year!

1.) I am thankful for my friends

My friends are what keep me sane at home and at school. I don't know what I would do without them. they know when I am having a bad day and can cheer me up in a heart beat. I want to thank my school friends for helping me through all of the ridiculous hours of school work, tests, and the projects being completed at the last hour. I also want to thank them for all of the 2 am conversations that made our college lives worth the schooling and made us just a little bit wiser. Thank you for all of the movie nights and being somewhat OK with wasting a little bit (OK a lot a bit) of time on a school night . I want to thank my friends from home for all of the amazing memories we have shared at my house. Thank you for the countless hours of video games, pizza and late night chats about everything and absolutely nothing at the same time. Thank you for all of the high school memories I will cherish forever. Most of all thank you for accepting me as I am no matter how weird I may get.

2.) I am thankful for family

My family is what keeps me grounded. They always push me to do my best and are there to help me pick myself back up when I fail. I want to thank them for all of the time they spent taking me to and from every sporting event and for cheering me on at every step. I especially want to thank my parents for putting a roof over my head, giving me the tools to succeed and getting me to where I am today. I would not be the person I am without their guidance and love. They have shown me that hard work and perseverance will pay off in the end. I want to thank my brothers for being their for me as well. We have been through some pretty rough patches in life but we have always stuck together thought them. thanks for all of the scrapes and bruises that come with life long memories. Thanks for all the family traditions we still do even though we are all growing up. We are separated most of the year, but I know I can always look to them for understanding and a really good laugh. I am also thankful for my extend family, that includes the Walter family! Thank you for welcoming me into your lives and showing me how to have a really good time together.

3.) I am thankful for my Boyfriend

I am extremely thankful for my boyfriend Andrew. We have been dating for over a year now and every moment of it has been amazing. He is the last thing on my mind when I go to bed and the first when I wake up in the morning. He is always pushing me to do things I never thought I could do. Just seeing him brings a smile to my face and makes my day brighter. I want to thank him for all of the adventures we have gone on together and the unconditional love he has shown me. Thank you for always being there when I need you most. Thank you for all of the coffee dates, I actually do like going out and getting coffee with you even if I don't drink it. Thank you for showing me how awesome Alaska is! Thank you for all of the late nights playing on the computer and just sitting and enjoying each others company. I also want to thank him for helping me grow so much as and individual over the past year and allowing me to do the same for him.

4.) I am thankful for my gifts

When I say gifts I don't mean material gits. I am thankful for my abilities that allow me to participate in multiple activities. I am thankful that I am musically gifted so I can participate in the choir and a Capella group at my school and to be able to play the french horn. I am thankful for my leadership gifts so that I can join organizations I believe in and help guide them to achieve their goals. I am thankful for my gift of caring for others so that I may help anyone and everyone I can. I am especially thankful for my athletic ability so that I may participate in college sports. It has been my dream since I was a little kid to pay college softball and because of my talent that dream was realized. I am so grateful for the gifts I was given and I hope that as I continue down my path of life I can share those gifts with others and help them become the best versions of themselves.

When looking back on this year I realize that the things I did and the privileges I had been given are special. There are many other people around the world that don't have the opportunities I have. I am grateful for all of my opportunities and as the new year is coming around the corner I will continue to not take any of it for granted. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas with thier friends and family and let the new year bring new opportunites for everyone.