- My mom who will never give up on me and endured so much pain to give me and brother the life we have and the ability to do what makes us happy. Whenever I want something, she stops at nothing to get me it.
- My brother, who always can make me laugh, offer me advice and the fact that we always turn to each other when the chips are down and always stand up for each other
- My dog. I was never alone after school, I had my trooper, Penny who was supposed to be dead months ago, but still holding strong. It is such a blessing to have a dog living at 15. She doesn’t look like she’s slowing down
- My dad. He may not be the best, but he is a dad, and not many people have one and he is always there when I really need him. He is one of the solid examples I have that people can change. Maybe not completely, but what he has done with his spirituality and faith is very admirable. Maybe one day, he’ll actually let me in.
- My roommate. I’m so lucky to have someone so similar to me, who I can talk to about my emotions and cry in front of and she doesn’t think I’m being crazy. We are definitely sisters and I see it more and more each day.
- My Best friends. Nina always remains calm and sees the bigger picture. Becky is so loving and affectionate, and able to look at the glass half full. Monica can always make me laugh and help me relax, no matter what I go through. Katie is always there for emotional support. She has taught me how to love unconditionally and the importance of forgiveness for a relationship to grow.
- My friends. How boring and awful would law school be without them? It’s so sad to see people using each other to get ahead. I’m so lucky to have found friends who are willing to help each other out. Not just in law school, but in all other aspects of life, all of my friends have taught me so much and brought me so much joy.
- My sorority sisters- even though I’ve distanced myself, whenever we hang out, it’s like no time has elapsed.
- My education. Although I’ve prided myself on being a mediocre student, this is not something to be taken for granted. I know so much, and that alone can help make the world a better place when I start to share it.
- My health. How fortunate is it to be able bodied, to have every body part, every sense? It’s something I definitely take for granted all the time. I need to start treating my body better, it’s not going to be like this forever.
- A roof over my head. Two really. Living in Baltimore, I see how rare that is.
- Comfort and financial support. It is unbelievable how supportive my parents are. So many of my classmates are struggling with loans, and I have the ability to just get through it debt free. As well as my car, cell phone, and other things I take for granted
- Music. Its intense healing power always makes me feel better. I can sing my way to happiness any day.
- My Activism. It is the basis of my career. I am a fighter, who is not satisfied with the status quo. It is so important to believe in change and equality. Where would America or any country really, be without it. It is undoubtedly my reason for living.
- My creativity. I always find some way to incorporate art into my life, even if it’s not the center of it. It’s always my escape right when I need it.
- My moral conscience. I treat other people the way I want to be treated. I don’t put my needs first and hurt others in the process. It’s important to know that life is not about you. You actions have consequences and hurting others as a result is never ok. When I do, I always own up to them. They say the key to being happy is taking responsibility for your actions, and I am definitely becoming more and more aware of that each day.
- My razor sharp intuition. I just need to start following it more and start being less concerned with what other people are doing.
- \\My mistakes. Without which I would not be who I am today. They have all been life lessons. You can always know that something is not right for you, but when you actually see it, I mean really see it. You know you’ll never make that mistake again.
- Hope. There are always hopes and dreams. Just because they don’t come true, doesn’t make the thought that things can better any less powerful. There’s always hope, it just needs to be followed by a strong commitment to change. Try, try, try again.
- Courage. Being able to stand up for myself and what I believe in, regardless of anyone or anything else that disagrees.
- Sacrifice. The ability to give up something in the present for a better future. I wouldn’t have all these blessings if my parents did not sacrifice what they did to get where they are now.
- My God. My faith. Without which I would be nothing. I don’t care if there was actual proof that God did not exist. You can’t shake my beliefs. You are all I need, and the source of calm in my soul, when everything around me falls apart. I am nothing without you my lord. All these blessings are a result of your grace, and I don’t doubt for a second that everything happens for a reason. When times get tough, you push me to persevere, even when I don’t want to. Even when I question you, at the end of the day you are the only answer I need.
