Alas, I’m finally on summer break/vacation from college! And last week, I found out my spring semester grades: all A’s! So happy I passed all my classes, but it took a lot of hard work, determination and sacrificing everything else in order to get those grades.

I’m grateful for the professors who tolerated my few absences this last semester. I spent a majority of those days shuffling between visiting my brother in the hospital (he was hospitalized twice earlier this year) and shuffling my parents to visit him or helping drive him to his doctor’s appointments (my sister has also been a tremendous help). Needless to say, my brother is healing and it’s only a matter of time until he is completely ‘on the mend.’ For this, I am grateful to God for hearing our family’s prayers and for restoring his faith.

One month ago, I applied for a summer internship near where I live. I applied for the position because I knew I was qualified for it. Needless to say, I never heard back from the company nor do I believe I ever will. I’m grateful to them that they didn’t consider me for the position because it allows me to work on some personal projects I’ve been wanting to work on for some time now and I’m also available to take my brother to his doctor’s appointments when my parents can’t take him. I’m taking the company’s rejection to mean that there’s something better out there and waiting for me in the Spring of 2016.

To my immediate family–which includes my parents, sister, brother, two nieces and nephew: I am grateful to them for always being there for me. Although I may not always be present or I may never say it enough to them, I appreciate their love, support, guidance and patience, and I’m glad to be a part of this family. As the saying goes, “Blood is thicker than water.”

To my community: I sometimes take it for granted for not appreciating it enough. I see the beauty and essence it provides to others, especially those who I share a close bond with (i.e. my childhood friends). Sometimes I feel like I don’t belong here. I’m grateful and will remember the fond memories it has provided me and my family, and friends.

To my close friends, especially those who have known me since childhood: I’m grateful for your insight, the things you’ve taught me, the advice you’ve provided, the talks/chats we’ve shared over the years and for the times you’ve been there for me.

And to anyone who has crossed paths with me recently: thank you for your inspiration, either through your words or your quotes. I appreciate all of them and for that I’m grateful.  🙂