Recently, I traveled home for Thanksgiving to be with family during this season of thanks. I packed my car, and nervously handled the wheel for five hours. But, I made it in one piece, no discrepancies, no accidents.

However, this Thanksgiving, I was the worst version of myself. I was cranky and moody and stressed to the max trying to juggle work and projects and papers. I was dismissive to the people that have done nothing but help these past few months. I was not thankful; I was greedy. I yelled and I cried, and I did none of it with good faith or with thanks in my heart. I completely overlooked the beautiful things and people in my life ... but it's never to late to say thank you.

Thank you Mom for being a superhero, even while wearing a neck brace. You took every one of my blows with the grace only a mother knows.

Thank you Dad for always being there, ready to help, even when you have no idea what's going on. You stand firm in you beliefs and keep us grounded in ours.

Thank you Samantha for matching my ferocity with equal measure. Even though we battle over seemingly everything, I'm thankful that you come to me with issues only a sister knows how to fix.

Thank you Mark for caring so much, even when you don't show it. Trust me, we know. You work hard for what you want, and unknowingly push me to work even harder.

Thank you Angelo for helping behind the scenes in any way you can; it does not go unnoticed, and I will forever be grateful.

Thank you to everyone who has made my life brighter: friends, professors, peers, coworkers. Each one of you has made me see the bigger picture. Thanks are not given just one day a year. Everyday is Thanksgiving in my book, and I'm working harder at recognizing the beauty of a simple thank you.