In a year that seems full of negativity, the Journalism Staff for the Raider Review took a moment to reflect on what we are thankful for this year.
Tara Nguyen:
Tiffany Nguyen:
Helena Do:
I am thankful for the countless adventures books have journeyed me through. Without these creative works of art, I’m not sure where I would be in life. I find the most happiness in reading and these escapes from reality are moments I cherish the most.
STEPHANIE GONZALEZ:
I am very thankful for my best friends. Without them I wouldn’t know how to live or be myself. They bring out the best in me really. They know how to make me smile and laugh when I need it and also be there for me during hard times. My best friends are Samantha, Brianna, Rachel, and Marcos. I love the
Nhi Huynh:
I’m grateful for my mother’s home cooked meals, like the pho she makes on hot summer nights. I’m grateful for the cat that comes to sleep in my backyard, especially by the oak tree. I’m grateful for my friends that make me laugh, whether it be at 10 AM or 10 PM. I’m grateful to have a home that I can live in even when I can’t go outside. I’m grateful for my life.
Vedant Janapaty:
2020, a year of death, hate, and violence. While we can easily pass this year as one of darkness, there is a lot to be thankful for. The bright sun clearing the tears off our swollen eyes, radiant pink flowers proving that life can continue to exist during these times, and most importantly, our ability to still learn and progress in our academic capabilities. While the year so far has bombarded us with the greatest of negativities and though our world seems small, our duties and responsibilities must never waver from where they were before.
Amrinderjeet Kaur:
I am thankful for all the people that came in my life and taught me something valuable. I think wherever or whatever I am today is all because of those who influenced me deeply through their thoughts. Even though it wasn’t easy for me to walk with them on their paths but knowingly or unknowingly they showed me how to make your own path when your view is foggy. Which is why I am thankful to all.
Angela Nguyen: I am thankful for my dog, Buttons. She’s always there to make me laugh and keep me cozy. I love petting her soft fur and scaring her.
Jenavi Melo:
I am thankful for my best friend. She calls cleaning my room “doing big things” with absolutely no sarcasm. She believes in everything I want to do, ever. This is gonna be our second year celebrating our birthdays together.
Tiffany Tran: I’m thankful for music and everything it’s ever taught me. I grew to be happier, more confident and I found my dream through music alone. Where music plays is where I’m unapologetically being myself, and where I can confidently say that I’m truly happy. I turned to music when I was going through it and it literally helped me get through a bad break up. I really would marry it if I could.
Kaylee Nguyen:
I am thankful for my family. I’ve always been extremely close to my brother and my mother. My brother and I are like twins and we are the exact same. I can’t imagine a day without him in my life. My mom has also always been there for me and she means the world tome. I’m also thankful for my stepdad because he has done so much for me and my family.
Deanna Nguyen:
I’m thankful for my family because without them. I still wouldn’t know how to cook food. I’m also thankful for my little sister, even though I annoy her and she annoys me I still love her. With all my heart… well not all my heart. Just half of my heart.
Ezekiel Coen:
I am thankful for my wonderful family. Every single one of them has always been there for each other. Our family has been through a lot, but we’ve always gotten through it together.
Lucy Kim:
I’m thankful for my dog Choco. I’ve spent half of my life growing up with her, and I appreciate her presence more than any human being! She always makes me smile.
Jenny Le:
I’m thankful for everything that I have because some families don’t have it the same. I’m grateful that I have a roof over my head and food to eat. I’m also very very grateful for my dog because he is the light of my day. He makes every day better with his affection and clumsiness.
Lian Quach:
I’m thankful for my best friend, Allisa Flores. We met in 8th grade and bonded over our love of emo boy bands, and we continue to do so till this very day. She’s stuck with me through all the stressful school-related events, stupid boy troubles, and other friendship dramas, and she just knows me better than I know myself. I truly think Allisa is my platonic soulmate because as the years have passed, our brains have adjusted onto the same wavelength so much that we can predict what the other is going to say before they do. I think we’re in it for the long haul because we’ve planned out a timeline so that we could move next to each other in the distant future and have our kids marry each other.
Jeralynn Querubin:
What I’m Thankful For – I am thankful for music and my bass, Winona. Music has always been there for me at my greatest and darkest moments. Being quarantined for months has lead me to constantly overthink, and I’m grateful to have it in times like these. I’m also thankful for being happy, healthy, and having the ability to play guitar.
Gustavo Rodriguez:
I am thankful for my family because my family provides me with all, love, care, sympathy and works of kindness.
My family is always there to help and support me when I’m in hard times.
I love my family.
Phuong Truong:
I am thankful for all of the people who have helped me improve in my art. When I first reached out to the art community and put my art in public I did not think anyone would notice it; however, I was recognized by all these larger creators which really surprised me. I’m thankful to everyone who has supported my art journey. Criticism and compliments both acted as stepping stones to push me toward my goals.
Mindy Tuong:
I am thankful for the three friendships I have kept since the pandemic began. It isn’t much, but it’s better than sitting around the quad with people I didn’t like and who didn’t like me in return. Now, since I have to actually put effort into my relationships in order for them to not fall apart, I’ve realized who I’m willing to sacrifice time for and who is willing to give me back the same energy. This one’s for you, Tara.
Daniel Tran:
I’m thankful for sleep. Getting a good night’s rest could improve your mood, boost your immune system, and improve productivity. This allows me to prepare to tackle the challenges that the day has in store for me when I wake up.
Howard Huynh:
I am thankful for my favorite vtuber, Minato Aqua. Not only is she a really cute anime girl, but she serves as a role model to me. Because of how persistent she is, I strive to become strong like her.
Nichole Garcia: I am thankful to be alive. I can’t explain that enough, how grateful I am to be alive. I’ve never valued life so much, until this year. This year has taught me so much. I am happy that I got to cross the street today, without getting stabbed to death, just for walking down the street, because that’s the world we live in.
Jeremiah Montoya:
I am thankful for transportation because it gets us from place to place when we need to be somewhere. For example, if you need to get to school–a car will get you there quicker than walking. Or if you need to get to work you can perhaps take a bus.
Vi Tieu:
I’m thankful for my friends and family staying healthy and in quarantine. Their priorities are staying home and making sure we’re all safe. I’m thankful for their consideration to people around them and for following regulations.
Daniella Hernandez:
I am thankful for my brothers because they always make me smile and laugh; they make me happy! They are the cutest little trouble makers in the world. I love my brothers because they are simply amazing and I just couldn’t imagine my life without them!
Tell us what YOU are thankful for this year in the comments below!
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