Thanksgiving break is nearly upon us. Thank heavens! Seriously, this has felt like one of the longest fall semesters ever for me. Probably has something to do with having a baby.

In light of this lovely holiday of extravagant feasting, football, shopping and whatever else you do, I’d thought I’d share what I’m thankful for, a tradition my family does every Thanksgiving.

I’m thankful that I’m alive. It’s been a year filled with tragedy here at Iowa State with nine students deaths since March, the worst since I came here in 2005. So be thankful for life this fall and don’t take it for granted. You never know how much time you have left.

I’m thankful that I graduated last December with a B.S. in accounting. Only 26 percent of Americans have a four-year degree. Only roughly 6.7 percent of people in the world have college degrees according to a Harvard and Asian Development Bank Study. So be thankful to have the opportunity to get a great education here at Iowa State.

I’m thankful I have food to eat this Thanksgiving. Roughly 925 million people around the world this year are malnourished, according to worldhunger.org. So be thankful that you have enough food to eat everyday.

I know there are many other things for which I’m thankful. However, I’ve been sick the past few days and am too tired to continue. So write to the Daily, [email protected], and tell us what you’re thankful for.

And if you live near Ames and know an international student, consider inviting them to your home for Thanksgiving this break. Roughly 80 percent of international students never set foot inside an American home while they study here.

Many come from Asia with cultures that are very hospitable and family-oriented. They often miss their families the most during breaks like this. As Americans, you can be an ambassador to another country without ever leaving home.

It’s a great opportunity for cultures to intersect and for you to form new or deepen existing relationships. It changed my life so much that I spent winter break two years ago with my best friend and his family in China.

With that in mind, have a happy Thanksgiving!