1. Love
Whether it’s a significant other, a best friend, your pet fish, or yourself, we all need somebody to love, and somebody to love us. Look in the mirror, and blow yourself a kiss.
2. The weather
Sure, it’s been kind of crazy lately, but whether the sun is shining or the wind is blowing, there is always a bright side. The rain is what brings life—without it, the flowers wouldn’t grow. The snow, while it may seem annoying in April, is still beautiful.
3. Weekends
SLEEP. Plus, I’d bet that more than half of your collegiate memories come from adventurous weekends. 4. The ability to learn from your mistakes
Life throws challenges at you everyday, but they’re only worth fighting through if you remember what they taught you afterwards. 5. Your parents
No matter what your situation is, they taught you something and are a part of you. After all, they are how you, ya know, got here. 6. Having a home
Not everybody does. There are hundreds of homeless people living just around the corner in the town of Amherst. Don’t forget that.
7. The fresh air that you breathe
Seems simple right? Next time you take a deep breath, be thankful that you can. There are many places in the world where this is not the case. 8. Laughter
It makes you smile, and it burns calories… what could be better?
9. Time
Sure, maybe more would be nice, but we’re lucky to have been given any at all.
10. Clean water
We literally cannot live without it.
11. Sunsets
Especially in the Pioneer Valley, sunsets are frequently breathtaking and worth taking a few minutes out of your day to watch. 12. Music
There is always new stuff to explore; in fact, there are always old classics too. The party really never ends.
13. A good hug
It makes everything better.
14. Any opportunity to embrace your inner child
There is nothing quite like the bliss of being young, enjoy every second of it. 15. Your school
Shout out to UMass for being fabulous. Every school has its flaws, but we are lucky to be here, learning everyday and studying our passions. Schools shape us and make us into who we are and who we are going to become. That is most definitely something to be grateful for.
Photos: cover, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15