This past Fall Break, my family and I sat around the table for Thanksgiving dinner, as we’d done many years before. Like muscle memory we went through the motions of sitting in our self-assigned seats, blessed the meal with a prayer, and then shared what we were each thankful for. In my moment of silent consideration, I reflected on everything I was fortunate and grateful to have. Perhaps it’s my myopic point-of-view, but oftentimes at Andover, I get consumed by my problems and neglect to think about the things I’m lucky to have. In a world with catastrophes everyday, I believe it’s important to never take for granted even the simple privileges in life.
To start, I’m thankful I’m in good health, physically and mentally, and recognize the systemic advantages that entails. I’m thankful to have a roof over my head, especially one that is more than enough for four people. I’m thankful for my curly 4c hair, and my average height. I’m thankful for my deep, brown skin, not a shade too dark, or light. I’m thankful for my round eyes, friendly smile, and vibrant laugh. I’m thankful for the ability to see my beauty, beyond the layer of teenage insecurity that sometimes makes that impossible.
I’m thankful my gender allows me to roam the streets without fear of being catcalled, and I’m thankful to live in a country where constitutionally, marriage is rooted in love, rather than procreation. I’m thankful those around me taught me that religion is a vessel to welcome others, rather than shut them out. I’m thankful that, while not entirely perfect, my citizenship to the United States ensures a level of safety that many in the world are not afforded right now. I’m thankful I can afford luxuries like a new iPhone, and I’m very grateful I have the privilege to boycott purchasing a new iPhone, to avoid contributing to the cobalt-motivated, Silent Holocaust in Congo.
I’m thankful my parents supported my passions throughout my youth, from karate to piano, and musical theater. I’m thankful for little things like my Spotify account, and having the means to Doordash if I want to. I’m thankful my parents taught me that the way to people’s hearts is through a smile, to never doubt my self-worth, and the priceless value of education,
I’m thankful that by some stroke of luck, I was admitted to the fourth best (should be first, but nevertheless), high school in the U.S. — where I have the ability to learn beyond what I thought was possible. I’m thankful I became aware of Andover during my eighth grade year just in time to apply, because it is likely that there are thousands of qualified students who don’t know about Phillips Academy. I’m thankful I could take up videography, bagpipes, or squash if I wanted to.
I’m thankful Andover brought me to find my closest friends on Earth, all of which I likely would’ve never met otherwise. My second family, who save me a seat in Paresky Commons, and pool money to buy me an overpriced ice cream cake for my birthday. I’m thankful I can be assured that these friendships will stand the test of college, adulthood, and time, making Andover a lifelong experience, rather than four years.
As this moment came to a close, I heard my voice saying, “I’m thankful for everything,” that wasn’t because I was too tongue-tied to respond. Rather, I didn’t want to try and sum up everything I’m fortunate for in a few words, because that wouldn’t be nearly enough. 650 words in The Phillipian isn’t enough. Furthermore, moving forward, I want to recall the things I said I was thankful for this past Thanksgiving and reiterate my gratitude, every single day.
