LWA Antics

Being appreciative during a time of thanks

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Yes, it is frustrating to sit in a classroom from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day. Yes, it is tiring to wake up early just to catch the bus. Yes, it is tedious to complete the homework assigned for each class, but, as Thanksgiving is celebrated, I believe that it is important to give thanks for the education that I am able to receive.
Kids, like me, are constantly complaining about the hardships school places upon us. What we don’t realize, or even think about, is that we are so unbelievably lucky to have a place to go to and learn. People across the globe do not have the opportunity that most of us take for granted.
One opportunity I embrace at Lawrence Woodmere Academy is the ability to explore and find myself. As I cruise my way through different electives, I continue to rule out what I enjoy and what I don’t. For example, during my sophomore year I took a science research class and a theater class. By the end of the year, I concluded that science is not a path I should go down in the future. Perhaps, I would study theater instead. Trying out a variety of classes will help me decide my major in college or even what occupation I wish to pursue.
Another measure of school that I’m thankful for is how prepared I will be for my future. Not only am I learning physics, U.S. history and advanced algebra, but, by interacting with my teachers, I’m gaining knowledge about what life has to offer. My advanced placement language and composition teacher often tells the class about the many jobs he has held in the field of English. A former college professor, he discloses what teachers look for in a well-written paper. He shares information about the variety of jobs in his professions and helps us navigate our way on the path to possibly becoming a skillful writer.
In order to appreciate the things we have in life, we must take some time to think about them. I’m not saying you have to do this often, but it’s the American tradition to give thanks on Thanksgiving. Whether you decide to laud your health, the food on your table, your family, or your education, we all have something to be thankful for. As students, we forget to be thankful for what we have.