Seema Patel

I am thankful for my rights, being able to speak out against injustice without falling victim to gunfire. I am thankful for the electricity I have, lighting up our home and keeping us warm. I am thankful for clean water I can drink without fear of disease and being able to look up at the sky without a cloud of smoke obstructing my view. I am thankful for the things I have that my parents and grandparents did not have before me. I am thankful that I can live my life without the constant need to look over my shoulder every time I go outside. I am thankful for the ability to take part in and celebrate my religion. My culture. I am thankful for immigrant parents, who taught me how fortunate I am. I am thankful for my friends, good experiences and bad. I am thankful for my sister, who, every day, makes me understand how important I am in this world. Most of all, I am thankful for myself; persevering through my lowest and highest points.