This cold weather not only brings forth the need for scarves, leggings, boots and hot chocolate – it means that Thanksgiving, winter break, Christmas and New Year’s are approaching sooner than we tend to think. With that being said I thought it would be a good idea to sit down and think about what there is to be thankful; thankful as a Millersville student, as a citizen of the United States and thankful as a female living in the 21st century. Also, as a busy student, I have hit a roadblock at this point of the semester and this seemed natural and fitting for the season. So I warn you now, that this is random, and not everything I am thankful of, but the first few things that come to mind.
I am thankful for:
1. Leggings
This might sound utterly ridiculous, but I am so thankful for leggings. Whether I look like a wreck for class after pulling an all-nighter, pairing them with a pair of boots, cheering on my boyfriend at his ice hockey games, or even going out to the bar with some friends, leggings are 95% of the time my go-to. In my opinion, they are more comfortable than jeans and a little more put together than sweatpants. Whether it’s leggings and an oversized hoodie, or leggings and a nice sweater, they are always a good choice.
2. The Library
As a senior I was incredibly sad once I heard that good ole’ Helen was closing her doors for renovations because it not only meant that I needed to find a new place to study, but that all of campus would need to find a new place to study, print and utilize the many other options that she had to offer. It was a rough 2 years, but I managed, and got fairly creative. Because of Helen, I learned that an athletic training major (with a best friend who was a math education major) could indeed find a quiet study space in Wickersham, and I also learned that during the not-so-busy hours of the Anchor and the Galley make perfect times to study there. I am so happy to have the library back, despite having less computers and a different layout, it is nice having a building that is dedicated to getting work done again, and that I no longer have to pull all-nighters in the SMC atrium.
3. Water
I am incredibly thankful for water, especially knowing that every day I have numerous sources of clean, running water. Not only do I have a nice hot shower to look forward to daily, but I have ample access to clean water sources for drinking. This tends to be something that people pass up, but as I was writing this, I took a swig out of my Camelbak and realized how much we take water for granted.
4. Family
Super cliché, I know, but I cannot express enough how thankful I am for my family. My parents brought me into this world and gave me the best childhood that they possibly could- and despite being separated since 8th grade, they have always been there for my sisters and I. The holidays have always been a little hard since they have split, but my dysfunctional family manages to make it work. My mom is pretty much my best friend, and my grandmother is one of the strongest people that I know. My two little sisters make me so proud as they complete their senior year of high school.
These four things stuck out the most to me, however with Thanksgiving approaching, each day take time to think of what you are thankful for, whether it is something as simple as leggings or something meaningful like family, we all need to take a step back from the crazy and realize there is plenty to be thankful for. Since the month of November began, I have been challenging myself to think of at least one thing that I am thankful for when I am having a bad day or stressed out- I challenge you to do the same!
(images courtesy of google.com)