Day 12: Write about five blessings in your life

These are the things I am truly grateful for and couldn’t imagine my life without them.

My parents
Behind every nerdy, weird and well-awarded student is a strong support at home. I know if I leave a sticky note on our Keurig asking my dad to wake me when he gets up and 4 a.m. because I’m napping on the couch in an attempt to survive my all-nighter. I know if I rant to my mom she’ll listen and try to make me laugh to relieve the stress. I adore the two of them and couldn’t imagine where I would be without the two of them.

My nephew
Though I am usually left highly annoyed by his antics, I couldn’t imagine not having the little hellion around. He came in the winter “storm of the century” in February 2011 (jokes on us, February 2015 was way worse) and has provided endless mischief. Should I also mention I used to get him to smile when no one else could and he’s repaid me with blaming me for the smallest of things?

Jules
Though I no longer have her, she was one of the greatest things in my life. Right before my sophomore year of high school, we rescued an eight-year-old shih tzu that became my partner in crime, my shadow and my snuggle buddy. She was mine and I was hers. Ultimately, the worst decision of my life was deciding when to let go and giving the go-ahead for my mom to make the appointment that I wouldn’t be taking her home from.

My education
I think our education is often overlooked when people think about the things they are grateful for. I’m not only lucky to have had access to a K-12 education but am also lucky to have received a scholarship to Wayne State University, a research institution on par with the University of Michigan. I’ve spent the last four years working hard at a degree and with my recently added minor I still have a bit to go before I’ve conquered college.

My dreams
I guess sometimes you need to have something you want to reach for but won’t put yourself down when you figure out it’s an inch passed your fingertips. I have many dreams, some of which evolve and others fizzle, and I’ve always been happy to be the type that has them. I feel dreams are linked to drive seeing as everything starts as a dream you wish to accomplish and must possess the drive to do so.