With Thanksgiving approaching on Nov. 27, students at Aliso Niguel High School are taking time to reflect on what they are most grateful for in their lives. Whether it be friends, family, opportunities or even events, many students are finding gratitude in the major and small aspects of their lives.
For some, thankfulness begins with their faith, family and the people who are a part of their lives.
Laurel Thurman (12) says, “I am the most grateful to God and my family, as it makes up my biggest support system.”
Similarly, seniors are preparing for college applications and finishing their last year of high school. They appreciate the support they have received along the way.
“I’m thankful to my teachers and all the staff that have assisted me this year, since they have been super helpful with applying to college and finishing high school,” says Thurman.
Thurman continues to highlight her gratitude for opportunities on campus, specifically with meeting new people.
She says, “Meeting new people keeps life pretty interesting, and it’s always fun to learn about other people at school. If I’m not thanking them, I’ll look for other ways to pay them back for all the favors they’ve done for me.”
For other students, their gratitude has evolved over time as they grow to value relationships and experiences over material possessions.
Maria Mishriky (12) says, “I am thankful for having a supportive family and an amazing friend who supports me. I am especially thankful for the new choir program I am involved in.”
Like other students, Mishriky is also grateful for the diverse community that makes up Aliso Niguel High School.
“Another thing I am thankful for as being part of ANHS is being able to meet a variety of different people with different talents and abilities and personalities. This opportunity helped me learn how to be a better friend to people as I learned from other people who had an amazing influence on me,” says Mishriky.
For other students, being a part of certain extracurriculars is what they are grateful for as well.
Ayame Huber (12) shares, “Something at school that I am appreciative of is the marching band. Although balancing rehearsals with school has been brutal, breaking away from the stress of daily life to simply have fun making music with my friends, gives me incomparable joy.”
Other students at ANHS appreciate the opportunities in their lives. Aurora Pilalis (12) is grateful for the financial and academic support she has received.
Pilalis (12) gives her input, “I am most thankful for scholarships and opportunities to earn money. At school, I am most grateful to the tutor that comes to the library sometimes–got me through math this far. I am thankful for that.”
