Giving Thanks

As is my annual tradition as Thanksgiving comes and goes, I have been reflecting on the many gifts in my life. An incredible friendship with my mom, a loving and evolving relationship with my boyfriend, growing bonds with my brother and dad, amazing friends around the world, an exciting career, and the city of New York as my playground. Good health and happiness are bountiful and like a fine wine, life seems to be getting better with age. This year, I grew particularly thoughtful and thankful for my education.

For years, I have been thanking my parents for the financial and emotional gifts that led me from one great school to another. Their support was unparalleled and without restrictions. What I hadn't considered was the amount of education that took place outside the classroom. I was raised surrounded by literature, music, theater, foreign languages, intellectual conversation, and love. I was asked my opinion and taught to question, encouraged to have unlimited interests and independence. While my formal education put me on the path to building a resume, it was the lessons and confidence that I gained from an intelligent and ambitious family that made me who I am and has carried me through the experiences of my adult life thus far. I realize how blessed I am to have grown up in such an environment and this season, I'm looking into the past and the future as I give immense gratitude and appreciation to my parents.