The opportunity to have a college education is something I don’t take lightly.
It can be easy to notice when someone is lacking food security or shelter and think of how lucky people are to have those things, but there are many other things I am incredibly grateful to have in my life outside of basic needs.
Education is something that can and has transformed lives. Education can lift people out of poverty, and a lack of education can pull people down into it. It is incredibly powerful.
As a college student, I think times of stress often lead to feelings of ungratefulness and negativity. It becomes easier to forget our blessings after three consecutive days of intense studying for a difficult exam or a long night of cramming. I could be wrong, but I’ve never seen someone walk out of the library and shout, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to get an education!” to all who care to listen.
While school can be stressful, I believe it is important to take the time to appreciate such a privilege. There are countless people around the world who would love the opportunity to study at this level, but are not able to for many different reasons.
Education truly is a blessing.
God gives us many blessings as we give him praise and glorify his name. It’s on us to recognize the many gifts we are given and embrace them as much as possible.
Education is just a piece of many people’s life plans, but it is a pivotal one.
When I find myself lacking motivation or making silly jokes about dropping out, I try to remember that I am incredibly lucky to be where I am today.
I also look to the Lord to help me on this difficult path, as I am always trying to do as he wills me to do.
As I continue to study occupational therapy, I know I want to help people as a future therapist because it’s part of who I am and what I believe in. I believe every person and every life matters.
The fact that I am able to study something that I both love and also feel called to is incredible to me.
I look very graciously toward God when I see where I am now and when I see the blessings of education all around me on campus.
I invite others to try on the perspective of gratitude toward education, rather than apathy or even negativity. God calls us all to different paths, but college may be in someone’s path who isn’t given as many opportunities or resources to get there.
All in all, plans don’t always go the way we want them to, but it’s important to be thankful for what we have in each present moment because someone else may be dying to get to where we are.
Gratitude is always in season.

ADRIANA LASKY
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