Just Some Thoughts This Thanksgiving

Really?  I guess we're not celebrating Thanksgiving this year...

Image via http://bethannchiles.com.

In today's world, where shopping begins at 6 pm sharp on "Black Thursday," just as you finished that turkey and stuffing, it's easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Thanksgiving and what really matters in life.  That's why I have chosen to spend the last moments of Thanksgiving giving everyone an update of where I am now and just how much I have to be thankful for.

The inspiring Hamerschlag Hall

Image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/aschultz/

Every morning as I walk to class, I see the inspiring Hamerschlag Hall glistening in the sun.  As I look at this historic building that now houses one of the most prestigious engineering programs in the world, which I just happen to be part of, I can't help but to stop and think just how lucky I am; I could not really ask much more for how my life has went, how it is currently going, and the chances of how it can end up.

If you find a robot snake crawling up your leg exciting, you may go to Carnegie Mellon. 

For many, this sounds corny, but I am doing what I love, where I love.  I could not be happier with the program that I am in, nor the city that I live in.  I have already learned so much, met so many incredible people, and engaged in so many amazing events during my short time at Carnegie Mellon University.  This school is literally heaven for tech nerds.

My sisters and I

I am thankful for a family that has cared about me enough to bring out my full potential and send me on the path in which I wish to embark.  I really could not ask for more caring parents, nor two better sisters.  They truly care about me, so much that they take time out of nearly every weekend to drive an hour-and-a-half just to see me.

A picture with members of Smallpools, an awesome band that visited CMU this week.

I am thankful for all of the amazing things that I have already been part of at CMU.  In just the span of a few months, I have already had the honor of being part of what I think is one of the best college newspapers in the world, an amazing jazz ensemble, the Appcubator team, the Solar Splash team, and so much more.  I have already been part of so many awesome experiences, from Orientation Week to the various events and concerts that CMU has been hosting.

Team Mudge

I am thankful for all of the great people I have met.  I am convinced that CMU has some of the most amazing people that I have ever met.  I've met people from a vast array of backgrounds, everywhere from China to Turkey to California to South Korea.  I've got to experience so many different cultures, from watching bhangra dancing to hearing bag-pipers to sampling Korean food. I've had the chance to be part of an awesome floor (C2!) with some great kids [and nerdy video game and Cards Against Humanity battles].  I've already had so many experiences that I will not forget.

Yes, it's really that hard.  (Warning: subtitles display some colorful language, as Hitler portrays his frustration with Intro to ECE

I am thankful for the little things in life.  Spending Thanksgiving Day with my family.  Getting a good grade on Sullivan's infamous Exam 2.  Waking up in the morning and enjoying a mocha latte at the coffee shop or having my almost daily salad with friends.  These are the things that make life meaningful.

Thanks Andrew!

The last nineteen years of my life have been amazing, and I want to thank everyone in my life for making it so great.  Thanks to my mom, dad, sisters, and the rest of my family for being an inspiration.  Thanks to my friends for always being there and bringing great joy to my life.   Thanks to my high school teachers for equipping me with the skills necessary to become a part of Carnegie Mellon.   Thanks to Jeff Yalden for giving me many awesome opportunities to make an impact through my writing and writing a letter to help me get into this amazing university that I am now part of.  Thanks to Andrew Carnegie for founding this amazing university.  Thanks to God for giving me this amazing life.

Yes, we really had a student from our high school in the NASA launch room.
Image via Daily American

If you are a student at Rockwood Area High School reading this, know that as much as most people complain about the facilities, harsh rules, or anything else, this school has equipped many with the skills necessary to change the world.  It has gotten me and numerous others into world class universities, where we have been equipped with the skills to compete with people in much larger, private high school programs.  I cannot be more grateful for being a part of this school, as it has brought me countless opportunities.