Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to reflect on our lives and seek out the people who have made our lives better. Peter Kang and Welton Chang write on who they believe have made all the thankful difference in their lives.

My Thanks to Optimism
by Peter Kang
When I see the state of my life as of late, I am most thankful for something I do every morning - look at myself in a mirror with a smile and hope that today is a good day. In the fast-paced life of school and activities, I like to think long-term, but I also like to keep everything one day at a time. Applying my optimistic views helps me to overcome difficult periods and also gives me the ability to cope with unfavorable emotions.

I have to thank my father for my optimistic traits because over time, I observed that he had always dreamed big and hoped for the best at everything he tried. This attitude was appealing because even when times were harsh, my father was emotionally stable and cheery. I think it's because of this that I am able to fend off some of my mother's negativity. Her pessimistic view can be helpful at times in pinning down false hopes and keeping reality close, but to me, life doesn't seem as enjoyable if the worst is expected most of the time.

I know there are other variables responsible for defining one's life such as the environment, influence, and even faith, and I am very grateful to my parents for all they've done for me. However, I also believe that attitude makes all the difference whether or not I'm happy with my life, and being able to see life as an exciting journey most of the time is something I am truly thankful for.

Giving Thanks
by Welton Chang
November is a time of thanking those who have helped us through the year. On one special day, Thanksgiving, the people dearest to us should be thanked for all they have done to push us towards our goals in the years before and the ones to come. They are the people who have pushed us towards that bright star that everyone is trying for.

Sitting around the dinner table, I see many people who need to be thanked. First and foremost, my dear friends who stand by me during hard times and help me if I need yesterday's history homework or some moral support. Whenever I have problems where I need someone to talk to, I go to my friends. It always seems to help when there is someone there for you and for that I am thankful. Friends help you along the way and keep you on the right path of life. True friends are what life is all about. Without them it is very hard to keep going. To all my friends, thank you.

Secondly, I'd like to thank the Supreme Being in my life, whoever you are, thank you for watching over me. Although I do not technically belong to any religion, I do believe in a higher power. I also believe that this higher power is the one that has empowered me to reach for higher goals and to keep going in times of need. With the love and support of friends and God, you can be sure that keeping on track will be partly handled for you already, making the path of success a little less intimidating.

Thirdly, I think that everyone should thank himself or herself. It is you who have brought yourself this far. With your own hard work and dedication you can go anywhere. Work ethic, studying, practicing hard, you have done all of that. So give yourselves a round of applause. And thank yourself for what you've done when you finally reach that goal of yours. Go towards the star, towards the light, with your mind and spirit and your friends in tow, someone will guide you but you must do the walking yourself. So on Thanksgiving day, give thanks to your friends, to the cook responsible for that turkey dinner, to God, and to yourself for making it all happen.

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