Reaching my first break since beginning the Journalism, MA program back in August, I finally had some time to de-stress and regroup. With the final stretch of the semester fast approaching, Thanksgiving couldn’t have come at a better time.

An Eric Carle Thanksgiving

In my family, we have a tradition of going around the table and each of us saying what we are thankful for. Each year, as we got older, my four siblings and I began to really think about what we wanted to say.

What started as a simple, “I’m thankful for my family and friends,” slowly became something much more significant.

For me, that question really has evolved.

Our world is currently, without a doubt, in a state of turmoil. Now, more than ever, there is a constant stream of news with reports of death and destruction at every turn. Some of the places we once thought were safe have suddenly become dangerous. Some of the people we once thought could protect us have suddenly become threats.

One of my Journalism, MA colleagues protesting the recent footage release of Laquan McDonald’s murder.

With all this fear and uncertainty, is it easy to believe that there is nothing to really be thankful for. Why should I be thankful for pain and suffering? What could I possibly be thankful for when there are so many others struggling?

It was those questions that made me realize just how thankful I am.

This time last year, I lived in Los Angeles, completely lost and lacking any sense of direction. It was around this time that I finally decided to take responsibility for my actions and make some serious decisions regarding what I wanted to do in the future.

I started really looking into graduate programs and finally put pen to paper (in this case, internet to laptop) and began my application to Columbia.

I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by a loving family that has supported every decision I have made, regardless of the outcome. When I announced my decision to finally submit my application, my family never once said, “I told you so.” They waited for me to come to the decision on my own, because they knew I would value it the most. For that, I am grateful.

I am thankful to go to a school that truly lets me explore my full potential. With this upcoming spring semester, I can start taking classes in the subjects I am really interested in. Going to Iowa and South Carolina to cover the presidential caucus and primary, producing and writing broadcast news and participating in an internship are all things that I have been looking forward to do and can’t wait to get started.

More than anything, I am thankful for my life. There have been many twists and turns but I know that I am finally in the right place at the right time.

Always.