Two years ago, Sept. 11, 2001 brought a new perspective to me and others on what we need to be grateful for. We often go through our days thinking we have too much to “deal” with or stress sometimes gets to us, and then something happens, a family member gets ill, our pet gets hurt, we learn about someone who has had something traumatic happen to them or we just think about days like Sept. 11, 2001, and we remember what we need to be grateful for.

I need to be grateful for the world I live in. I may not be wealthy, but I have shelter, food, water, a job and someone to care for and to care for me.

I am grateful for the people I have the blessing to work with. This place is filled with people who care about people, and that makes it extra special.

I am grateful for the students I get to see work through challenges and celebrate successes.

I am grateful I live in a part of the world that is mostly calm.

I am grateful I live in a country where I can share my opinions, because there are so many other places in the world where people cannot.

I am grateful for the privilege to vote for the leaders of our country, and I hope the people who are elected consider themselves grateful for the honor we have given them.

I am grateful for my ability to learn from others. I am constantly given the chance to learn something new from someone not like me, and that I take that educational opportunity and strive forward with it.

I am grateful I can help others. Whether it be holding the door open for someone, donating toys to a local children’s home, spending time with someone in need or smiling at and with people — those little things help the world to be a better place.

I am grateful for the precious times we have with each other. I cherish every moment I speak to my family members and friends, because we never know what tomorrow will bring — be grateful for those moments.

I recently had a friend remind me that things will always get better. To be honest, I really didn’t want to believe her, and then I remembered I should just feel lucky I have the opportunity to be reminded that it will get better, because as my mother always says, it will.

Be grateful for who you are, what you have and take advantage of being you — you will do amazing things with the world around you, if you remember to be grateful for what you have.

Laura Bestler-Wilcox

Assistant Director

Student Activities