What Are You Thankful For?
November 14th, 2025
Writer: Olivia Mallor
Editor: Sophia Wohl
It is November, a month that has long signified gratitude. Think of all the times growing up where you were told to follow the question, and share: “What are you thankful for?” It was common to write a list consisting of family, friends, pets, etc. But when we pause to think, gratitude is so much more than just a checkbox on a school worksheet or a little holiday tradition. It is rather the small, often invisible parts of life that make it meaningful.
As we grow, we collect experiences, making it more important to notice and appreciate the ordinary moments that feel extraordinary. The way my roommate laughs at the silliest jokes, when no one else does, the smell of coffee in the morning that makes the day feel achievable. Maybe even the quiet of a library corner where the world slows down just enough to think. These moments may not get recognized with their own Instagram posts, TikToks, or applause, but they significantly shape our days, our moods and our lives.
I am thankful for people who show up even when it’s inconvenient or unnoticed. Friends who care and listen without judgment, professors who provide advice with no expectations of anything in return, and family members whose love is unwavering even if it is tough —pushing us to grow and hold ourselves accountable, even when it’s hard to hear. These people remind us that gratitude isn’t just about the big gestures—it is about recognizing the support that exists quietly, behind the scenes, consistently.
I am thankful for the challenges and obstacles, too. It seems strange; why should anyone be thankful for stress or failures? But in the large realm of things, it is these moments that teach resilience. These moments show what matters, who matters, and what we are capable of. Without them, gratitude wouldn’t be real—it would just be a polite habit, a little holiday tradition.
We are back to November, and it is this time around I realize that being thankful isn’t about listing things on a piece of paper, but about noticing the real, messy, beautiful parts of life that make us feel alive. It’s about checking in on our friends, cheering for the small victories, and appreciating the quiet joys of life that can easily go unseen. Gratitude is honest, sometimes hard, but always worth noticing.
