Fall 2006 and Fall 2009 have been very different from one another, in terms of who I saw on a daily basis, what I spent most of my time doing, the thoughts that occupied my mind… completely different places in life, though only three years apart.
But something that these seasons have in common, and that I am happy to be experiencing again is the constant thought in my mind of how grateful I am to be in my current situation. Thankful for many blessings.
In 2006, I was spending my first quarter at UCLA, and I was in awe of everything. Though I had not found my close-knit community of support yet, I knew I was in a great place and I could not believe that I was a part of it. The architecture, the professors, the “college-y” feel of potlucks and eating on the roof of our apartment… it was great. I was doubtful that I deserved to be there, but I would continue along until someone told me otherwise.
This year, I am once again just… amazed. Just as I believed that UCLA was the best place I could be at that time, I fully believe in Greendot, and am proud to be a part of one of their schools. In a year when jobs have been so scarce, especially in my field, I thank God that he provided not only some bottom of the chain job at a terrible high school, but an important position with a wonderful organization that serves an area of great need.
Between my job and my grad school, I do experience a lot of stress. Today, my headache from a hard work week has not subsided. And yet I am thankful for the stress. Because the stress means that I have been given the opportunity to educate and be educated, which is exactly what I want. I am very much still trying to figure it out, but I was chosen to be here and I am grateful, thank you, Jesus!
Going beyond work and school, I am grateful for other provisions:
-Moving to Long Beach, which includes:
-Opporunities to love and be loved by:
-All of the great fun I had this year, such as:
-The fact that my parents and I are going to load our food contributions into our car this evening and enjoy a good meal in Diamond Bar.
