24 Nov Students Share What Gratitude Means to Them in 2025

(Photo by Stephanie Klepacki on Unsplash)

Editor’s note: This Thanksgiving season, Contra Costa Pulse invited young people to share what they’re grateful for this year. We asked students to reflect on the people, moments and lessons that shaped them, like someone who made a difference in their lives and experiences that helped them grow or feel supported. We also asked how they’ve learned to find gratitude even in difficult times. Their responses have been lightly edited. This is part one of two.

A person I’m thankful for is my older brother because he made a big difference in my life. He gives me great advice about saving money and helping me understand how life is going to be. I’m also thankful for my family because they support me on everything I want to do and also taking care of my little sister. 

A moment that made me feel proud is getting to drive to school every day and being able to go anywhere with my family and friends. I can find gratitude even if I’m going through hard times by spending time with my family because we can laugh together and play video games with each other to find gratitude.
— Brian Coto, 18 

One person that has made a difference in my life this year is Carmen, one of my friends. I have fun with her, and I notice how she behaves. She’s really nice to people and really thoughtful. I have fun knowing there is still good in people. She is always trying to include everyone. I think she’s a good friend because she’s really thoughtful and funny. I’m thankful for her because she made me more thoughtful and nicer to people.
— Keyla Arana, 18

A person who made a difference for me is a friend. She helped me enjoy life more. A moment I feel proud is when I do the right thing and help others out. A lesson I learned is to stay humble and control your emotions. I’ve learned gratitude at hard times by just accepting it and moving on.
— Lawrence Panlilio, 16 

Something I am grateful for is my family because, thank God, I have a very close-knit family. Someone who made a difference in my life this year is my little brother, since he taught me to be patient but also more loving.
— Alison Alvarenga, 16

A moment that made me feel proud of myself was when I was able to bring up my grades before the quarter ended. It doesn’t seem like a lot to many, but I was really proud of myself for being able to step up and get work done. Normally, I would just accept the bad grades and tell myself it didn’t matter. Eventually, I realized how much I actually procrastinate. I wanted to be a better version of myself, so I’m proud I was able to push myself to do more.
— Alba Santos, 16

I am thankful for my parents. They make sure I always have food in my stomach, clothes on my back, and a roof over my head. I cannot thank them enough for giving me a good upbringing through all the ups and downs. A moment I’m really proud about is giving back to my parents. It makes me feel good when I see them happy. A lesson I learned that really stuck with me is that everybody is going to rock with you when you’re up, but once it goes away, they go away. That’s why it’s always better to stay by yourself.
— Jayden Aranda, 16

The person that made a big difference for me this year was [actually] several people. They are the reason why I ran for class president. I was planning to run this year anyway, but these people kept doubting me and my abilities, just to hate. So for a time, I just ran on spite, knowing that while they say that I did horrible and would never win, I knew they didn’t have the courage or motivation to do anything that backs up their criticism. The lack of support was not surprising in the slightest. But sometimes the lack of support is all the support you need.

Spite is what inspired me to go all out for my campaign. I created posters, promotional videos, reached out to my school’s newspaper to promote my video, and reached out to organize a debate with my fellow candidates. A few days before the debate, I was sent some questions that were going to be asked, and that was when I started questioning why I was actually running for class president. This is when I realized my true motives — not to prove anything, but just for the fun of it and to make a change. This taught me that the lack of support can be used as motivation to do things and eventually find deeper motivation. As of now, I don’t know if I won the 12th grade presidential elections, and I hope this ages well and turns into an inspirational story.
— Yshmael Rodriguez, 17

I’m so grateful to my family this year because they’ve been incredibly supportive, always there for me, and never leave me alone. My mom has made a huge difference in my life because she’s helped me with so many things; she’s been a great support in so many ways and is like my best friend. She’s the person who’s always there for me unconditionally.
— Marbella Mancio, 16 

A person that made a difference for me this year is the [K-pop] girl group IVE. They just announced their second world tour, and it gave me motivation to do a lot of stuff. I really want to go to their second tour, so I’m really excited. I have been a fan of IVE for so long, and they have really helped me with their music.
— Jasmine Learson, 16

This year taught me a lot about patience and resilience. There were times that felt really challenging, but I learned how to slow down, breathe, and find gratitude even in moments that didn’t feel good. I’m thankful for the growth that came from those experiences, and for the strength I didn’t realize I had. I’m learning that being grateful doesn’t mean everything is perfect — it means recognizing what’s still good and holding onto it.
— Drushawn Roberson, 16