Every year on Thanksgiving, families say what they are thankful for. This year, like many years, I was a little too hungry and focused on the food to list everything.
However, I am lucky enough to have an newspaper column where I can touch on that.
The first thing that comes to mind is that I am thankful for coffee shops. By coffee shops, I mean La Barista. Writing articles is so much easier in a warm and cozy atmosphere and with a latte by your side.
To go even further, I’m thankful that there are a bunch of delicious holiday themed latte flavors. Also, the kind people who make those lattes have no problem with me staying three hours every Sunday to work on my articles and study for College Biology.
As I sit in this wonderful coffee shop, I see the community and town around me. There is no doubt that I’m thankful for this amazing place and support group. Here, the people are always friendly and willing to define “Minnesota Nice.” Minnesota may be freezing, but hell will freeze over before the people here are rude to you on the streets.
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Speaking of nice people, there are these cool people who go to the Wave section of the paper every week and read my article. If you’re reading this article, I want you to know that I am very thankful for you.
I have had so many random people tell me that they read my column and enjoy my articles. People who step up and talk to me, I appreciate you. Readers who don’t, I appreciate you just as much and if you ever see a person that resembles that picture for this column in person, feel free to say hello.
Oh, and thank you to DL Newspapers and Pippi Mayfield for giving me this opportunity. How many other opportunities like this are available for kids my age? I have spotted zero. Only communities like this would have that.
This place is not only full of opportunities, but is also very safe to run in. People say that running on the streets is dangerous. Around here, that doesn’t apply. Yes, it’s always smart to be careful, but it’s not like running other places.
I’m thankful for the ability to run and the chances I get to compete at my school. Running has taught me so much and made me a mentally and physically tough person.
Before I started cross country, I was just this nerdy little 12-year-old who had no muscle. Running cross country and track not only transformed me physically, but mentally.
On top of this, running has created friendship bonds with some amazing people. If I were to stop running, I know that these people would be there for me. I’m not a social butterfly, but the people I am friends with will always be there for me when I need it most.
Running has brought about some friendships, and it’s brought about some challenges, too. With these challenges, I have risen up stronger than ever. If I hadn’t experienced bad seasons or conflicts with people, I wouldn’t be nearly as determined or work as hard as I do now. Tough stuff comes, but I’ve learned how to get through it.
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My parents have been there through these conflicts. I am thankful for all the times they’ve put up with me and helped me get through difficult times. Even when it’s not tough, they still put up with me. There aren’t many people willing to put up with me for 16 years and want more, so I have got to hold onto these guys.
When it comes down to it, I am the most thankful for my faith and relationship with God. Without him, nothing I do would be possible. I am grateful for all he’s given me, and the chances I have through Him. I have much more to go through, and I know that I won’t be alone.
Holly McCamant is a junior at Frazee-Vergas High School.
