As I’m preparing for my last few weeks of the semester and eventually finals, I started thinking about the people and things that matter the most to me. It’s the season of love and thanks, and at the risk of being sappy, I started to really think about college and how much you need that support system by your side. I don’t know how I could keep pushing through life or do what I love without these people (or things) by my side.
In no particular order with a side of excessive sappiness, here are ten things I have to be thankful for this holiday season.
- My Family
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I don’t know what I would do without my family. My parents support me no matter what decision I make. Even though my brother and I fight, I still love him (sometimes) and he’s there for me as well. I savor my weekly phone calls with my grandpa, and I always smile when I see emails from my Uncle Mike and cousin Lily who update me on my cousin Miles who’s not a huge fan of technology. I appreciate Aunt Mich, Kenny, Doug, Larry.
In the season of love, I also have to remember those who I’ve lost. I love you Ma, Uncle Al, Uncle Dave, grandma and grandpa. You’re always missed.
- My Friends
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On a lighter note, I’m thankful for my crazy friends who never fail to support me and sometimes drive me crazy. I love and miss my friends from home who I don’t see nearly enough but still deal with my craziness. I love my friends in college who have to deal with my crazy ass because they’re all around. We have the craziest times going out and just eating dinner sometimes if we get into tv show debates.
Special shout-out to my roomie who raised her hand when I asked if this list looked okay and read this over for me.
- The Lamron
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I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t spend three nights of my life in The Lamron office. I also wouldn’t be nearly as confident in my writing and editing if I hadn’t joined my freshmen year. Thanks for the late nights and cookie breaks!
- Her Campus
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Shout-out to Lily who told me that my college was creating a Her Campus before I even knew about it. Through Her Campus, I have explored my creativity and discovered what it truly means to be a part of a national organization that promotes female journalists.
Specifically, thank you to the members of Geneseo’s Her Campus chapter and our wild meetings and crazy ideas.
- Gandy Dancer
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Although I only found Gandy Dancer this semester, I have renewed my love of literary magazines. I have found new friends, new ways of editing and a new way to use my voice. I presented at the Forum for Undergraduate Student Editors with some amazing people. FUSE is also going to become another big part of my life.
Although I can’t take Gandy Dancer next semester, I can’t wait to take it again senior year.
- My Professors
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I’m really not trying to be a kiss-ass, but my professors have shown me amazing opportunities at Geneseo I had never thought about. Some of them have even been willing to watch me cry, give me personal advice and be supportive of my work in their classes. So, thank you to the many professors I’ve had for helping me learn and grow.
- Dance
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Dance has been a part of my life for over 15 years. To my many friends and teacher from home, thanks for making me the dancer and person I am today, especially since I use headstands to concentrate when I’m really struggling.
Since entering college, dance has been a “break” from my busy schedule to express myself, relieve stress and have fun. After all, Friday’s are for OGX.
- Music
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Although I don’t sing or do theatre in a specific club, I still have my trusty headphones and friends who will listen to music with me. So, I guess this is another brief shoutout to my friends who I scream sing with at the top of my lungs.
Mostly, thank you to the incredible artists that I can connect with and fangirl over.
- Reading and Writing
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I had to combine these two things because for me, they go hand-in-hand. I wouldn’t have become a writer without reading, and I wouldn’t be as good of a writer as I am today (I hope) without reading. Both activities are outlets I use to escape the world or create a new one. In particular, writing helps me express myself and my emotions in a way that I hope also helps others who see my work like reading has helped me.
- This Country
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The last things I’m thankful for are probably the things I take advantage of the most. I have food and shelter. I’m gaining an education. Many places in the world don’t have these things, and hopefully one day no person can suffer without what should be the necessities and rights of human life. I wouldn’t be able to thank a majority of the items on my list if I wasn’t born in this country, no matter how shitty it seems to be right now.
Here’s one last thank you to the rights I have, and here’s a new hope that one day, every person will have a list like this to be thankful for.