By: Paw Print Writers
Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday—it's a time for reflection and connection. This year, we invited three individuals to share what they are most thankful for, offering a glimpse into the diversity of gratitude. From family bonds to professional milestones and personal growth, their experiences remind us of the universal yet unique ways we find meaning in our lives. In this collaborative piece, each voice brings a fresh perspective, weaving together a shared gratitude and resilience narrative.
Brianna Robles:
This Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the countless blessings in my life, starting with the unwavering support of my parents. While we don’t always agree, I’ve come to appreciate the depth of their love and the sacrifices they make to see me happy and successful. Even in our disagreements, their care and encouragement never falter. They’ve taught me resilience, the importance of hard work, and the value of staying true to myself. Knowing they’re always there, cheering me on through life’s challenges, fills me with gratitude and strength. I’m equally thankful for my close friends and my chosen family, who have stood by me through every high and low. Their constant encouragement, humor, and understanding have been my anchors during tough times. They remind me I’m never alone, offering a safe space where I can truly be myself. It’s these relationships that bring light and joy to my life. Thanksgiving is a time to cherish the moments that make life meaningful, and for me, it’s the simple, shared experiences that matter most. Whether it’s gathering around the table with family, laughing over shared stories, or having late-night talks with friends, these connections give life its richness. Even when life feels overwhelming or unfair, I’m grateful for the chance to experience the good and the bad. The love, support, and togetherness of the people I hold dear remind me what Thanksgiving is truly about: celebrating the bonds that make every challenge worthwhile and every triumph even sweeter. This season, I am thankful for the big and small moments that bring love, belonging, and purpose to my life.
Precious Robinson:
This Thanksgiving, I’m incredibly thankful for the lessons I’ve learned in my personal life over the past year. Life hasn’t been without its challenges, but they have shown me how much I can overcome. I’ve faced moments that tested my patience, strength, and determination, and even when it felt overwhelming, I found ways to push through. These experiences have been eye-opening, helping me realize that every struggle has something to teach me if I’m willing to learn. I’m also grateful for the self-growth that came with these lessons. Through the ups and downs, I’ve discovered new strengths within myself—strengths I didn’t even know I had. Whether it was learning how to manage my time better, staying calm in stressful situations, or simply having faith in my abilities, I’ve grown into a more resilient version of myself. It hasn’t always been easy, but I can see how far I’ve come, and that’s something I’m proud of. Most of all, I’m thankful for the fact that, despite everything, I’ve managed to keep moving forward. Even on tough days, I’ve found the energy to get things done and stay focused on my goals. It’s a reminder that I’m stronger than I think and I can handle whatever life throws my way. This Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on these moments with gratitude, knowing they’ve shaped me into the person I am today.
David Cardenas:
With Thanksgiving around the corner, I begin to reflect on the year and everything that I am thankful for. This year is meaningful to me because I get to see my family back home and share moments with them as they have supported me to be where I am today. I just feel so thankful looking back at the people and experiences that shaped me.
Being part of the Adams State cross-country team for many years has had a huge impact on my life. Of course, this team is more than just runners to me; we are family. I see every day the incredible hard work, dedication, and love from everyone. Whether it was during the hard training sessions where we suffered brutal workouts or celebrated each other's victories, the relationship we built is something that I will carry with me forever. This year, however, brought an unexpected challenge: a calf injury that benched me. Initially, the thought of missing out on what should have been one of the most exciting seasons of my running career was heartbreaking. With time, though, I found gratitude in this detour. Little did I know it would be the impetus I needed to discover persistence and strength in ways I had never imagined. I learned that some of the most important battles are fought off the course, how we approach setbacks, and find purpose where we least expect it.
Though I did not choose to be hurt, this taught me that life is full of uncertainties. Some things are simply beyond our control, and what matters is how we react. Now, I view each run differently, my teammates, my coaches, and every time I show up to practice with a new perspective. As I sit down with my family this Thanksgiving, I will reflect on the highs, the lows, and everything I have learned. It's been a year of growth, and for that, I am deeply thankful.
Through our collective reflections, one theme stands out: gratitude. Whether it’s the unwavering support of family, the loyalty of friends, or the beauty of shared traditions, these stories remind us of the strength found in connection. This Thanksgiving, as a community, we celebrate the bonds that hold us together and the moments, big and small, that fill our lives with meaning. Let’s reflect on our reasons for gratitude and embrace the spirit of thankfulness as we share and grow together.
This is very cool! If you're here next Thanksgiving, I'd love to see you do this again on a larger scale.