Emalee Valdovinos

When I am asked what I am grateful for, a billion things come to my mind. But there are a few things I hold very close to my heart because they are what I appreciate the most.

As a quick answer, I’ll say I’m grateful for the roof over my head and the food on the table because there are people out there right in this moment who don’t have the privilege to be able to eat a simple meal with a safe home to live in.  I am also grateful for my support system at home, including my parents, who have always encouraged me to be the best I can be and never let me give up on what’s good for me.

I am grateful that I have the ability to go to school to get an education and take in new knowledge, and use it in the future to help people who need it. Many people would love to receive an education, but can’t afford to do so. School may not be my favorite thing in the world, but I still hold it as a top priority.

I am also grateful that I’ve gotten to travel to places outside of San Diego throughout my life. I’ve only ever been to places in Mexico, but I have loved every place that I’ve been to and explored. At the beginning of this year, I went to Colima, Mexico, for the first time. I absolutely loved it because it’s different from the usual sights in everyday life. It was refreshing to see the beach with clear water and hear live music every day.

I am grateful for every experience I’ve had in my life so far.  No matter good or bad, it has made me who I am.

Natalia Sandoval

When someone asks you, “What are you grateful for?” My first though is family. But why? Why are we grateful for our families?

Growing up, I’ve always had a base of support within my family. At school events, achievement awards, everywhere, there are no hands that applaud louder than my parents. They have never made me feel like I am not capable of accomplishing everything I put my mind on, which has allowed me to excel in and out of school. They gave me confidence in myself that no other person could. And even though my parents didn’t grow up with a support system, they took the time to learn how to provide support for me and my siblings.  The support of parents is like no other, and it gives you the drive to pursue higher things in life.

Recently through Faces, a healthcare career pathway program, I received my white coat . This marks a new beginning, in which I will do job shadowing at Rady’s Children Hospital. While receiving my coat, I looked over to the stands, and in them sat my mom and dad, smiling and taking pictures. The bittersweet feeling hit me, seeing them look so proud opened this willingness to continue striving in life. They have allowed me to have a more positive outlook on life.  Absolutely, there is no better feeling than seeing your parents so proud of you.

So really, when someone asks me what I am grateful for, I look at my parents proudly. They are the reason I am here today. They are the reason I am excelling in my education. They are the reason for most of my achievements. They cheered louder than no other, so I never noticed who didn’t. That sums up the type of parents they have come to be.