26 Nov The People, Moments and Lessons Local Teens Are Thankful For

(Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 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 two of two. Read part one here.

Commentary, Various Authors

What I am thankful for this year is my mom because she gave me a party for my 15th birthday, and she put a lot of work into it. And my sister because she helped my mom with my party. They both spent a lot of money, and they are just trying to get me things when they can, so I am very thankful and grateful for them. Also for one of my friends — basically my best friend — she has been there for me, and I go to her house every day, and we always tell each other everything. She helps me with advice, and I am very thankful for her, and those are the three main people that I am thankful for in my life.
— Janet Medrano, 15 

Someone who made a difference for me this year is my friend Rafael Jr. because I have been able to tell him anything without him telling anyone else. I could tell him anything, and no matter how crazy it is, he would not tell anyone. It’s been easy for me to plan stuff and get things done since I have someone to talk to, and he has helped me with a lot. So much of my stress and mental clutter has been reduced because of him, and I am thankful because of that.
— Alexander Taylor, 15 

 I am thankful for the friends and mentors I met during the summer. They uplifted my writing and myself as I explored new forms of writing. When I felt down about my past, they comforted me and reminded me that it doesn’t define me. Each of them taught me lasting lessons to carry with me and immerse in my art. They inspired me to reach for the stars and showed me that my dreams are closer than I think, with people to help me along the way.
— Kaylee Geffken, 16 

My boyfriend has been my biggest supporter, helping me through the college application journey, and I’m very grateful to have him. I felt proud of finishing all my college apps in time; that way I can focus more on school. I’ve learned it’s OK to be vulnerable and that getting out of a dark moment takes time. During hard times, I try to see what’s good in my life and feel gratitude for that.
— Amy Condor, 16 

 This year, I am thankful for my friends. Them being around and helping me numerous times over and over again through this year has reminded me I constantly have support around me. My friends have helped me with assignments, learning new languages, and helping me truly understand the value of friendship. Friendship is nothing short of a gift. I wouldn’t be where I am without them, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.
— Aliza Floyd, 16 

I am thankful for my parents for all the support I’ve gotten from them, for everything they’ve done for me in general. I am really grateful for them. I am also grateful for my older brother and my younger brother for all the great memories we have together. I can’t wait to make more memories with my family. A lesson I learned is that once you set a goal, you can’t give up on it. You have to keep trying until you conquer that goal. A moment I felt proud of myself was when I got good grades because I was actually trying. I was able to get three A’s and five B’s, which might not be the best, but to me, I tried, and that’s also what matters.
— Mayra Garcia, 16 

A person I am grateful for this year is my partner, Rune. I’ve known them since second grade, and they’ve always stuck by me through thick and thin. This year, I’ve been struggling mentally, and it was thanks to Rune that I was able to feel better. They’re patient, caring and loving — I’m lucky to have them in my life. I’m beyond grateful for Rune. I can’t count the number of times I have run to them when anything happens. I do the same for them too. When they’re upset, I’m patient and hear them out, and I do my best to console them.
— Aria Palacios, 16 

Someone who made a difference for me this year was my mom. She helped me with a lot of stuff. She raised me for years on her own, and she helped teach me several things and helped me to grow. I believe I have grown so much as a person this year, both mentally and physically. I’ve become a lot more confident [in] myself, and I do not feel the need to hide who I am. My mother has helped me realize that, in ways that she might not know. Even if it was unintentional, or she didn’t notice that she’s helped me grow, she has done so much for me that I will eternally be grateful for.  

I am very grateful for every opportunity I have been given this year. I have been given so many chances to do great things and contribute to this world. I have accepted almost every single one of them and taken advantage of them because I know my potential. Without my mother, my community, I wouldn’t have been the same me from maybe a year or two ago. I wouldn’t have had the confidence I have today.
— Florian Banagan, 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 

What I am thankful for this year is that Prop. 50 passed so that Trump can’t rig elections. I’m mostly thankful for my family because I don’t know what I would do without them. I felt supported by them when I applied for college, and it’s something that will help me in the future to get my job. I have been having hard times completing some missing work, but I felt gratitude once I finished my work, and it feels relieving. I am also thankful for my teachers, especially Ms. Perez and Mr. Kingsbury, because they are a reason for my college application. Without them, I would be a percentage less of being accepted. I am very thankful for all the teachers helping me to pass and succeed.
— Iory Blancas Perez, 17