OHS Students Reflect on the Nature of Gratitude

It’s November, and with Thanksgiving around the corner, students at Olney High School are reflecting on what they’re thankful for and what the upcoming holiday represents to them.

“Thanksgiving to me means celebrating the people in your life that have made a positive impact on it,” Fernanda Cardeñas, a sophomore, said. “I celebrate it because my friends and family have shown me love that I’ll never forget. Celebrating Thanksgiving with them is the closest thing I can do to express that gratitude I hold for them.”

Many students state that they are thankful for the food at Thanksgiving.

“I am thankful for my family, friends, food, math, video games, and Yondr pouches,” Jeffry Flores, senior, said. “Thanksgiving makes me think of gratitude; all this food is around, and I am grateful for it. My family makes a big feast and we think about how we’re thankful for each other.”

Some students say they’re thankful for the everyday things we take for granted.

“I’m honestly thankful for school because I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn something new every day,” Patrice Allen, senior, said. ”Thanksgiving to me is a time to come together and share a meal with friends and family. The fall vibes of Thanksgiving are my favorite part of the holiday.”

Students also say they’re thankful for their family and loved ones.

“I’m thankful for my family and friends because they are the people that keep me going every day,” Shaine Grard, a sophomore, said. “Oh, and for Roblox, of course!”

Other students like Kiesly Mullins, junior, are grateful for the individual people in their lives.“I am incredibly grateful for the life I have been given, but also I’m especially thankful for my mother,” Mullins said. “She’s taught me that no matter what you are going through, always choose kindness because you’ll never know who might need it the most. My family celebrates Thanksgiving as a day when no one worries about anything except enjoying the people around them.”