Closing on being Thankful

 My sophomore year has exceeded all my expectations in every aspect and as I watched different tragedies unfold around me but also experience the excitement of events it really dawned upon me how lucky I am. The lifestyle I am growing up in is full of opportunity. Which also at times, has honestly led to sense of entitlement. I wanted to take a moment to be thankful for living in America, attending SMU, the people I surround myself with and so many other things. I know this post is one of those eye rolling, "here we go" moments but as thriving students I think it is truly important to acknowledge all opportunities amongst our busy lives.

I am pretty sure I have not had a stronger sense of patriotism than this last week with all the opening library events. I was thrilled when I had the chance to attend the actual opening with friend and see it in person, watching all five living presidents was actually one the best experiences in my life. Hearing these men speak and tell their memories of changing America, really emphasized the fact that no matter how hard days are or how bad the economy is that we still have our freedom. Classic, right? Just as in the song Proud to be an American (which I heard four times that week), "at least I know I am free." That is something that most people around the world cannot claim, I live in a country, in my opinion is still the land of opportunity and full of people who truly want the best for humanity. I am thankful to live in America.

The farther I get into my major and challenged with coursework, build up my portfolio, participate in events with professionals from the field and beyond I realize how blessed I am with my education. The communication and public relations program at SMU is one of the best, I enter my classroom with professors who were experts in their fields, resources to provide me the most competitive internships and standards to ensure I will not only perform at a high level but keep honest, ethical standards. SMU really creates the whole professional package. We know that as students and that is a lot of why we all choose SMU. The fact alone I am receiving a higher education alone is something to be thankful for.  Majority of the worlds population does not have basic reading skills. I feel a extra sense of pride that I attend such a high caliber university. I complain about homework, that project, or the stubborn professor but honestly, there is no excuse to do that. Each trial in learning means that I am actually learning something. This will all soon lead me to the profession and lifestyle I hope to have one day. My education is once in a lifetime and that something I am very thankful for.

Uncommon Thanks 

Without my family I know I would not be where I am today, everyone says that but it is true! My parents work tirelessly to provide my sister and I everything we could want or need. They also gift us with life lessons. Letting us fail at times, teaching us to work hard, and no faltering on the necessity of respect for every person we encounter. I had it easy growing up. I had a lunch waiting on the counter for me every morning, parents present at every sporting and school events, vacations that let me explore the world. That is all so rare and I realize that. My parents sacrificed their own wants and needs to ensure I could attend the college of my choice and utilize every opportunity that came about with that from study abroad to sorority membership. They supported and cheered me on every step the way, they let me know when I was making a mistake and set high expectations but always remained reasonable and understanding. The Davis family unit is not perfect, we are full imperfections but I am so thankful for my family, through example my parents showed me every strength and weakness should be embraced and built upon. I am thankful for these four quirky,loving,supportive people.

These past couple weeks have held a lot special, historical and fun events. The opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Library, fun sisterhood events with Chi Omega and the wrapping up some successful school projects and more. All this recent action was a great reminder of what I have in life and should not be taken for granted. I cannot wait for the coming years and I am going to really work on keeping everything in perspective and taking time to really be thankful for everything. Ignorance to opportunity and privilege is what will ruin you the fastest. This may not be Thanksgiving but let us all be thankful!